Daming: I am the Crown Prince

Zhu Yunhuan was not a serious playboy. He just needed to talk and chat with Xu Miaojin. There was no need to think about holding hands or anything like that. That would be a bit rude to the beauty, even though the two of them had already exchanged name cards and set a wedding date.

Even though many people now say that Zhu Yunhuan is a playboy and lacks etiquette, he still sticks to some basic bottom lines.

Watching Zhu Yunhuan and Xu Miaojin walking in the garden, Zhu Youling said with a smile, "Madam, is this a talented scholar and a beautiful woman?"

Xu Lishi quickly said, "Your Highness the Crown Prince is a man of extraordinary talent, and my family is unworthy of you."

"It's not like I'm marrying up. My little brother is already a talented person." Zhu Youling was not afraid of offending others and said directly, "Grandfather always said that it's hard to find someone in this world who is worthy of me. Miao Jin is one of them."

Saying this in front of the Xu family seemed a bit disrespectful.

But let alone Xu Li, even the wives of Xu Yingxu and Xu Zengshou were not unhappy at this time. There was nothing wrong with what the princess said, because the identity of the grandson was enough.

Especially, even though Zhu Yunhuan had a bad reputation in his early years, now countless people have found reasons for his early experiences. Now that he is in control of power, he is even more "wise and powerful".

Zhu Youling remembered Zhu Yunhuan's previous instructions and said, "The Duke of Wei will lead his troops to war soon, so my second and third brothers will naturally have errands. My second and third sisters-in-law will also follow him to take up their posts in other places, so that the family will not be separated."

The wives of Xu Yingxu and Xu Zengshou were both stunned. They didn’t know about these things. They hadn’t heard that their eldest uncle was going to lead troops to war.

Although there were some in the past, they were all military training. But now the princess is talking about going to war, which has a completely different meaning.

Xu Li was also a little surprised. She really didn't know that her husband was going to fight in the war. She also didn't expect that her two uncles would have errands, and even be sent out. She didn't hear that the families of these nobles would go with them.

Zhu Youling ignored all that and continued, "I am partial to the Prince of Zhongshan's Palace. Duke Wei was the lucky winner this time. My grandmother didn't even get such a good job. I'm afraid this trip to the Prince of Zhongshan's Palace will be even more grand."

Xu Lishi quickly said, "Your Highness, I am too kind. I am just following the orders of the court and doing my best. How dare I take credit for it?"

As the saying goes, people of the same family are like one another. Xu Huizu's wife was also a decent person. She could act like the wife of the Duke of Wei outside, but she would only bow her head to Chang Lan among all the noble women. She would never bow her head even in front of the wives of Lan Yu, Li Jinglong and others.

But the person in front of him is the Crown Prince's elder sister, and everyone knows how close and caring the Crown Prince is to his two elder sisters.

Zhu Yunhuan didn't know that he and Xu Miaojin had become the scenery in the eyes of others, and he was still somewhat contented with it.

Sitting casually on the stone bench and watching Xu Miaojin sit down slowly, Zhu Yunheng couldn't help laughing.

"My grandfather said a few days ago that I had poor manners. Now it seems to be true. I won't talk about other people. I guess even some of the dandies are better than me."

Xu Miaojin said, "Your Highness is too modest. You look more heroic."

Zhu Yunhuan asked in a low voice, "If we get married, we may have to live with our grandfather. Do you think it's okay?"

Xu Miaojin was a little panicked, that was the Hongwu Emperor, even her father was very cautious in front of the founding emperor. But now Xu Miaojin also knew that she had no choice, and the grandson told her that it was just a notification.

Xu Miaojin asked carefully, "Your Highness, I heard that His Majesty is ill. Are you going to take care of him?"

"He thought that no one would take care of me after my two sisters got married, so he asked me to move to the Qianqing Palace." Zhu Yunhuan said, "How could I not know what he was thinking? If I move to the Qianqing Palace, I will definitely not be able to move out. We got married in the East Palace, but I guess we have to live in the Qianqing Palace. It's not good for him to be alone now."

Xu Miaojin probably understood, and hurriedly said, "Your Highness, don't worry too much. I am lucky enough to marry into the royal family, so I must be filial."

"That's good." Zhu Yunxun said with a smile, "There are many rumors outside, saying that I am a playboy and domineering. He doesn't follow the rules in front of his family, and he doesn't get angry easily, so you can rest assured."

Xu Miaojin didn't know how to respond because she didn't know everything.

The Crown Prince had no problem saying these words, or it could be said that this was his feeling and evaluation, but in the eyes of others it was completely different. It was because this Crown Prince was treated specially that they felt that the Emperor was not overbearing.

Xu Miaojin remembered something and said, "Your Highness, I have some ideas about the reform of the plow."

Zhu Yunhuan immediately asked with interest, "Really? Then tell me quickly! What I am most worried about now is farming. The manure is still being improved, and the farming tools should also be improved a bit."

Xu Miaojin said, "I had someone replace the plow with an iron shaft, eliminating the plow arrow. Then I dug a hole in the middle of the plow tip and used wooden wedges to fix the iron shaft and adjust the depth, making the plow more durable and extending its service life. I think this can save some money, but the initial cost of using an iron plow is high."

Zhu Yunhuan understood Xu Miaojin's meaning after a little thought. The curved plow was indeed a huge improvement. However, not all places were willing to use iron plows. In fact, many places still used wood as plowshares.

Now there is one less plowshare standing in the middle of the plow, which is also a slight structural improvement and optimization.

Zhu Yunhuan thought about it carefully and said, "This is not difficult. It would be great if this method can really work. Rich families can use iron plows first, and the others can be considered later. We can't make all plows iron plows at once."

Let the rich help the poor, this is also a good approach.

There is no need to demand that everything be done perfectly in one go. As long as there is an effect and progress, many things will be easily accepted by the public.

The Xu family knew that Old Zhu and Zhu Yunhuan attached great importance to farming, and they invested a lot of manpower, material resources and financial resources in this matter, which could be regarded as building momentum for Xu Miaojin.

Zhu Yunhuan certainly did not object to such things. In fact, he was the same, because he just sat back and reaped the benefits of many things. He didn't even have to pay anything, but he got enough generous rewards.

Xu Miaojin is still working on improving farm tools and so on, so this naturally seems more logical.

As they were talking, Zhang Fusheng came over and asked, "Your Highness, it's time to eat."

Xu Miaojin seized the opportunity and said, "Your Highness, please enjoy your meal."

Zhu Yunhuan did not object. He had only eaten out a few times, and had never stayed for a meal at Prince Zhongshan's Palace.

Zhu Youling was quite busy, and said, "No need to separate the food. I always like lively occasions. We are all family, so there is no need to be polite."

Although they said so, Xu Huizu and others did not dare to be careless. They did not dare to think of sitting at the same table with the Crown Prince.

After Zhu Yunhuan entered the house, he said, "If I stay to eat in the future, I can just use one table. There won't be so many rules. We are just an ordinary family."

Although Xu Huizu and others obeyed the order, they did not feel that this was an ordinary family at all.

Looking at the chubby Xu Qin, Zhu Yunxun teased him, "Call someone." Xu Qin said politely, "I pay my respects to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. May His Royal Highness live long."

Seeing the four or five-year-old chubby boy perform the salute in a formal manner, Zhu Yunhuan became interested. "Minister, what kind of minister are you?"

Xu Qin was a little confused, his face turned red before he said, "My father taught me."

"Well then." Zhu Yunhuan said, "I will grant you the status of a guard of honor today. Is that okay?"

Xu Qin asked happily, "Your Highness, do the guards need to go on duty? Do they need to carry swords?"

"Not only do you need to carry a sword, you also need to wear a helmet and armor." Zhu Yunhuan waved his hand and said to the fat boy, "Can you put it on?"

Xu Qin said confidently, "Your Highness, I still have a lot of weapons."

"Oh, I'll have to go take a look later." He pinched Xu Qin's little face, "Remember to call me uncle when you see me next time."

Xu Miaojin blushed, and Xu Huizu and others were naturally happy to see Zhu Yunhuan like Xu Qin. They knew that this was because of his love for the child, but they were even happier when they thought that the child's name was given by Zhu Yunhuan.

Zhu Yunhuan and Xu Qin ate with relish, but the others were more careful about the rules and were a little restrained.

So after eating and drinking and chatting for a while, Zhu Yunhuan took Zhu Youling back to the palace.

As soon as I returned to the palace, I received the news that Zhu Yourong had returned.

Seeing Zhu Yourong, Zhu Yunxun couldn't help but complain, "Oh, what's going on? There are distinguished guests coming to visit."

Zhu Yourong was used to Zhu Yunhuan's strange tone, but Geng Xuan was a little undecided, "I know my crime."

"Brother-in-law, there's no need to be like this." Zhu Yunxun said quickly, "My elder sister and I always joke like this."

Zhu Yourong also said quickly, "I told you a long time ago that the Crown Prince likes to joke, so you don't have to take some things seriously."

Zhu Yunxun couldn't help but feel a little jealous. In the past, his elder sister was the one who protected him the most. But now, she only had eyes for her husband.

But there is nothing to be jealous about, it is all normal. It is a good thing that my eldest sister and her brother-in-law have a good relationship.

Zhu Yunxun asked, "No one comes to visit you for no reason. What's the matter with you coming back so rarely?"

Zhu Yourong said, "Of course, it's to ask for an official position for your brother-in-law. How about letting your brother-in-law be the vanguard?"

Geng Xuan, the eldest son of Geng Bingwen, was a counselor of Geng Bingwen when he led the army to attack Zhu Di. But the ending is beyond words. After Zhu Di became emperor, Geng Xuan claimed to be ill and was killed along with his father and two younger brothers.

Zhu Yunhuan immediately said, "Of course not. How can my brother-in-law be the vanguard?"

Geng Xuan said, "Your Highness, my father and I have received the emperor's grace many times, and we should repay you with our lives. I would like to be the vanguard. I know that I am not talented and knowledgeable, so I am willing to be the vanguard!"

Zhu Yunhuan said sternly, "What is the status of my brother-in-law? Not to mention that he is my brother-in-law, even if he is the son of the Marquis of Changxing, how can he be a pawn?"

Zhu Yunhuan's tone became much kinder, "I know what my brother-in-law is thinking. You and my elder sister are newlyweds, so I shouldn't let you go to the battle. But this time is different, and I won't lie in front of you. Grandfather has entrusted this matter to me, so I dare not be careless."

Geng Xuan immediately said, "Your Highness, that's exactly what happened. I deserve to die for you!"

Zhu Yunhuan waved his hand, "That being said, how can I not consider others? My brother-in-law and others will just follow the army. If there is a war, they will naturally contribute. I think my brother-in-law has also learned from this trip that not only the nobles and their children, but also some of the relatives will follow the army."

Geng Xuan certainly knew what was going on. Many nobles would go on the expedition this time, and their sons and daughters would basically go if they could.

There were also many relatives by marriage, such as Princess Huaiqing's husband Wang Ning and Princess Daming's husband Li Jian. They were of low status but had no titles, and they all had to go with the army.

As for Zhang Lin, the consort of Princess Fuqing, Fu Zhong, the consort of Princess Shouchun, Hu Guan, the consort of Princess Nankang, etc., they were not only consorts, but also had titles, but they still had to go to war. If they were not arranged by Zhu Yunhuan to Zhejiang, the son of Wuding Marquis and Guo Zhen, the consort of Princess Yongjia, would also have to go to war.

Whenever the Ming Dynasty went to war, all the nobles and relatives had to go to the battlefield together. Don't think that the nobles only know how to enjoy themselves.

Geng Xuan mustered up his courage and said, "Your Highness, I dare to ask the King of Xiang to be the commander!"

Zhu Yunxun was stunned for a moment, then he laughed, "Brother-in-law, you are really one of our own."

According to some rules of the Ming Dynasty, when war broke out, the princes had to send troops.

However, this is also a special case. Generally speaking, for more serious wars, the princes do not need to lead the army, and the generals are still the main force. For unimportant wars, the princes still lead the army.

Zhu Yunhuan thought about it carefully and said, "It is not appropriate to recruit garrisons from Huguang and Jiangxi. Let me discuss with Your Majesty whether it is necessary to let the King of Chu and the King of Xiang accompany the army."

"Big sister, second sister, please prepare dinner and wait for me to come back." Zhu Yunhuan said immediately, "I'm going to Wuying Palace. This is a big deal."

When Zhu Yunhuan arrived at Wuying Palace, he complained to Old Zhu, "My eldest brother-in-law will definitely be good at offending people in the future. He said today that he wants Sixth Uncle to follow him to fight."

Old Zhu smiled and said, "Your sixth uncle has suppressed a rebellion. I remember that when he was 21 years old, he led Duke Xin Tang He and Marquis Jiangxia Zhou Dexing to suppress the rebellion."

Zhu Yunhuan couldn't help but complain, "If the two of them followed, Sixth Uncle got the credit for nothing. It's because I was born too late, otherwise I would have followed the Prince of Zhongshan and the Prince of Kaiping in the Northern Expedition and I would have been the commander. If I followed, all the credit would have been mine."

Old Zhu said, "Your Sixth Uncle doesn't need to follow. Let your Twelfth Uncle lead the Three Guards of the King of Xiang to follow. However, his army cannot be the leader, nor can it govern Xu Huizu."

Zhu Yunhuan joked, "When Uncle Twelve finds out, he will be very anxious. He has always wanted to go to war."

"That silly boy has the temperament of a knight-errant. Let him be a detachment." Old Zhu said, "There is no rush for him. We still have to rely on Xu Huizu to fight."

Prince of Xiang, Zhu Bo, this is a good opportunity to send troops. (End of this chapter)