The fierce grandson of the Ming Dynasty

September 5th.

The autumn air was crisp and clear, and the sky was just beginning to brighten.

Today is the day that the eldest son of the Prince of Yan arrives in Beijing from Beiping.

With the permission of Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang, the eldest grandson of the emperor, Zhu Xiong Ying, along with his grandsons Zhu Yunwen and Zhu Yun Tong, went out of the city to welcome him.

After leaving the palace, the three brothers immediately changed into the same carriage.

Inside the carriage, Zhu Xiong Ying stood tall and straight, dressed in autumn casual clothes, sitting calmly on the cushions.

As for Zhu Yunwen and Zhu Yuntong, since they rarely had the opportunity to leave the palace, they stared wide-eyed and curiously peered into the streets and alleys.

After following the main road and leaving the outer city, we arrived at the suburbs where pedestrians were becoming less frequent. We got a little tired of sitting and lost interest.

Zhu Yunwen, with his adorable, slightly dim-witted appearance, was also a little impatient. He shuffled over to his eldest brother and asked in a childish voice, "Brother, when will Fourth Brother's boat arrive?"

"The milk skin that Grandpa Emperor gave us during the New Year was so delicious. Will Fourth Brother bring some over?"

Among the imperial grandsons.

According to birth order, Zhu Xiong Ying was first, Zhu Ji Xi second, Zhu Yun Wen third, and Zhu Gao Chi fourth...

In everyday address, Zhu Yunwen was used to affectionately calling his elder brother "brother," while he was more distant from Zhu Yunwen and called him "third brother."

I noticed that my younger brother was only focused on the food.

Zhu Xiong Ying was rather helpless.

Over the years, his younger brother has become more and more useless.

But as I thought before, he is not a bad person, and he will be more than capable of becoming a wealthy and virtuous king in the future!

Before he could speak, his younger brother Zhu Yunwen cleared his throat and pointed out, "Yunwen, our teacher often said, 'A gentleman who lacks dignity will not command respect!'"

"As grandsons of the emperor, we should value etiquette and propriety. Today, we are following our elder brother to welcome our fourth brother who has come from afar, not merely to satisfy our appetites... Elder brother, what do you say?"

Zhu Yunwen pouted, sat back down listlessly, and muttered, "All you do is recite those grand principles from sages, and even my brother hasn't said anything to me..."

Seeing this bickering scene...

Zhu Xiong Ying glanced at her sideways.

Well, these two little brothers are equally impressive.

One became a bookworm, and the other became an idiot!

He lifted the curtain, peeked outside, and glanced at his accompanying guards, including his second uncle Chang Sheng and cousin Xu Yungong, before saying, "Alright, Yunwen, don't speak ill of Yunwen. We're all brothers, why be so formal!"

"But Gao Chi and the others traveled thousands of miles south, a journey that took almost two months, enduring wind and rain along the way. How could they possibly have the time or inclination to bring these snacks?"

"Once we receive the person, I'll speak to the Empress Dowager today and ask the Imperial Kitchen to prepare more osmanthus cakes and sweet taro sprouts from Jiangnan..."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yunwen immediately became interested, puffed out his chest, glanced at Zhu Yunwen smugly, and said, "Brother is the best!"

Ever since Zhu Gui was beaten, Zhu Yunwen had felt both respect and fear towards his elder brother, and quickly said, "Brother is right, I have learned my lesson!"

Time flies when you're chatting.

We arrived at Longjiang Wharf a little before the end of Chen Shi (7-9 AM).

Officials from the Court of State Ceremonies, the Ministry of Rites, the Hanlin Academy, and other departments had already arrived ahead of time.

The surrounding area was heavily guarded by the Embroidered Uniform Guard, the Imperial Guard, and the Crown Prince's attendants!

After all, the eldest grandson of the emperor has come in person today!

Even the slightest oversight.

The emperor and empress, along with the bigwigs of Huaixi, will tear these people apart!

"Greetings, Your Highness the Crown Prince!"

The moment they caught sight of the imperial grandson, all the officials stepped forward to pay their respects and began their fawning.

Zhu Xiong Ying remained calm and composed in this situation.

Looking behind them, they saw several familiar faces, including Huang Zicheng and others.

Before he could even offer a few words of encouragement to the group of young officials, Second Uncle Chang Sheng approached and reported, "Your Highness! The official ship carrying the eldest son of the Prince of Yan will be arriving soon!"

These words were spoken.

Looking out over the river.

Sure enough, three Yan vassal state ships, each with a capacity of 400 liang, were sailing downstream!

At the bow of the ship stands a large black flag!

As you get closer, you can see soldiers standing motionless along the edge of the ship's gunwale. They are all tall and brave.

This clearly demonstrates the strict discipline his fourth uncle displayed in guarding Beiping and managing his troops.

He is truly a born general!

On the lead ship.

Zhu Gaochi was standing at the bow of the ship, looking up at what lay ahead.

Judging from his appearance, this eldest son of the Prince of Yan and grandson of the Duke of Xin was still young, with a face as bright as the Mid-Autumn Moon, gentle and calm eyes, and a round and sturdy waist and abdomen.

He stood with his chubby little hands behind his back, listening attentively as the eunuch recounted the customs and culture of Jiangnan.

Upon hearing about the smallpox vaccine, Zhu Gaochi, though his voice was still somewhat hoarse, spoke with a maturity beyond his years, saying, "When I was in Beiping, I often heard my father praise my elder brother, saying that he discovered the smallpox vaccine, which could prevent smallpox, truly a beneficial act for the country and its people!"

"When we arrive in the capital, I need to follow in my elder brother's footsteps and learn from him..."

When Zhu Gaochi left Yingtian Prefecture with his parents to live in Beiping, he was only three years old.

Zhu Xiong Ying's memories of his cousin were already somewhat hazy.

All I remember is that every time I entered the palace to see my grandfather and grandmother, my cousin treated me extremely well.

He often carried him on his back, wandering around the imperial city, searching for many delicious foods, and playing games such as Chuiwan and Touhu together.

On the day he left Beijing, he felt a sense of emptiness upon learning that he would be parting with his cousin, with whom he had played since childhood. He cried for several days on the way!

Besides, there are his grandparents, maternal grandfather, and uncles who dote on him. He can finally see them today since he returned to Beijing!

The thought had barely formed in his mind when...

An accompanying eunuch whispered, "Your Highness! The ship is almost at the shore!"

Two incense sticks later.

The large ship finally came to a safe stop.

With the help of a eunuch, Zhu Gaochi immediately walked off the boat.

At the same time.

Zhu Xiong Ying stood on the shore, and when she saw the chubby little boy, she understood without asking.

This is his fourth uncle's eldest son, the historical Emperor Renzong, also known as his cousin Zhu Gaochi!

He quickened his pace, took the young arm from the eunuch's hand, and said with a gentle smile, "Fourth Brother has finally arrived!"

"Just a couple of days ago, my grandfather, grandmother, and I were saying, 'Why did the ships arrive at Yangzhou Prefecture so early, but haven't they reached Yingtian Prefecture yet?'"

Seeing you today puts my mind at ease!

Zhu Gaochi stared wide-eyed, looked up and glanced around. Seeing the somewhat familiar face, he felt a surge of warmth and was about to bow when he said, "Brother greets elder brother! It's such a pleasure to have you come to greet me personally today..."

Zhu Gaochi was young and too fat, so he didn't have much strength.

Therefore, Zhu Xiong Ying held him firmly, preventing him from bowing down.

He smiled and said, "We're all family, no need for such formalities. From now on, your affairs in the capital are my affairs. But I wonder how your fourth uncle and aunt are doing in Beiping..."

During the pleasantries, I looked at my cousin and the more I looked at him, the happier I became.

However, having gotten this fat, I need to lose weight first!

Then, Zhu Xiong Ying called his younger brothers Zhu Yunwen and Zhu Yunwen to his side. They greeted each other and became familiar with one another, creating a harmonious and joyful atmosphere.

They also summoned their cousin Xu Yungong, uncle Chang Sheng, and other relatives...

After finishing his business here, he briefly expressed his condolences to the accompanying generals and officers.

Knowing that Zhu Yuanzhang and Empress Ma were waiting to see his younger cousin, he immediately headed back to the palace!