Daming: I am the Crown Prince

It’s no wonder that Zhu Yunhuan is now daydreaming. It’s just that the pie that Zhu painted for him looks too tempting.

It's because that's the position of the emperor, which means he holds the power of heaven and is the most honorable and powerful person in this country. In such a situation, it's really hard not to be tempted.

Even though Zhu Yunhuan is now "second only to the emperor", there is still a huge difference between the crown prince and the emperor.

Zhu Yunhuan returned to the East Palace with a confused mind. He immediately wanted to turn around and run away. The pressure was really too great.

He dared to talk back to Lao Zhu, but seeing the fierce aunt and the sisters who always accepted everything, he felt a little pressured. Being close is being close, and being afraid is being afraid, these are two different concepts.

Princess Anqing was sharp-eyed. When she saw Zhu Yunhuan, she said, "Everyone in the world knows about this happy event, but we are the only ones who know about it later. I only know about it now after hearing about it from your uncle."

Zhu Yunhuan quickly stepped forward and hugged his chubby cousin. However, the little cousin was very disrespectful and struggled to return to her mother's arms, stretching out her little hands to hit Zhu Yunhuan fiercely.

"This little thing doesn't know how to coax people." Zhu Yunxun couldn't help but complain, "Just like Shunchang, if they just follow my words, it will be good for them in the future."

Princess Ningguo couldn't help but explain for her son, "Yunhuan, Shunchang is supposed to be cautious and polite. You want him to be more active, but that won't work. He is a relative by marriage after all, it's not good for him to be overbearing."

Zhu Yunhuan said sternly, "Aunt, that's not right. He may be domineering or lively, but Shunchang is like a scholar now. Even the old scholar may not be as polite as him. Look at my Minister of Rites, who chose to buy barbarians as slaves. This is simply ridiculous. Even the relatives of the emperor would not dare to do this!"

This is also the truth. The main thing is that what Ren Hengtai bought in Annan were slaves, while in the Ming Dynasty, they became servants of wealthy families. Even though their status was not necessarily high, there was still an essential difference between them and slaves.

So it is not just Zhu who is reversing history. There is also such a trend throughout the Ming Dynasty.

Especially for people like Ren Hengtai, he was greatly influenced by Mongolian customs. The reason is that Ren Hengtai's mother was Princess Wugulun of the Yuan Dynasty, a Semu, and his wife was Mongolian.

Princess Anqing said jokingly, "That's true. The scandal of the Minister of Rites is known to the world."

"It would be a good thing if Shunchang was more active, so that some civil servants would not be too noisy." Zhu Yunhuan explained, "Otherwise, I have said many times that Shunchang likes to read, but he is a relative by marriage, so he should do what he should do."

Princess Ningguo also knew this, so she said, "Your uncle and I also understand these principles. Whether it was letting Shunchang return to his hometown to train troops, or this trip with Youdun to inspect the border, we were all happy."

"It would be great if Shunchang had military merits, but I'm afraid it's a little difficult." Zhu Yunhuan couldn't help but complain, "It's unreliable to count on Shunchang to have military merits. Next time I think of a way to let my uncle-in-law make some military merits, otherwise it will be a little difficult."

It was impossible for Mei Yin to inherit the title of his uncle Mei Sizu, because Mei Sizu had been defined as a follower of Hu Weiyong and his title had been abolished long ago.

Princess Ningguo said with some worry, "I'm not afraid of the others, but it's hard to have the chance to make meritorious deeds at this time. If you want to be a marquis, there won't be such a big battle."

This is also the truth. Whether it was Lan Yu suppressing the rebellion in Jianchang Wei or Xu Huizu suppressing the rebellion in Longzhou, the court rewarded when it was due.

However, no new title was added, because those who quelled the rebellion were not yet qualified for the title. This was the actual situation.

"If the army goes well in this northern expedition, maybe we can get a few titles." Zhu Yunhuan said with a smile, "I'm afraid it's a bit difficult, unless we can win another great victory at Bui'erhai."

Zhu Yunhuan smiled and said, "It's hard to say whether he can be made a marquis. Let's see if there is a chance to make your uncle an earl in the future."

Earl, this is also very good, and it can be inherited. However, for military merit, this naturally requires great military merit. It is too difficult to get such military merit by suppressing a rebellion.

There is no way to do it. If you want to inherit the title, you need to pay and make great contributions. No title is easily obtained. This is the reality.

Seeing that Princess Anqing was about to speak, Zhu Yunhuan said, "If my uncle has the opportunity, he can also gain military merit, but I'm afraid it will be difficult."

Princess Anqing was speechless at this point. She was naturally clear about her husband's character and abilities.

Although he was born into a noble family, his ability was really not enough. It was fine for him to be a rich and idle person living a comfortable life, but he could kill the enemy in battle, and he could not expect to lead troops.

This is the reality, so don't aim too high. It's useless even if you are envious.

Zhu Youling and Zhu Yourong felt happy after listening to Zhu Yunhuan's words.

Geng Xuan was the eldest son of the Marquis of Changxing, so his title was basically not a big problem. Zhang Fu was a reward from the younger generation that Zhu Yunhuan valued, and he had been constantly going on expeditions and gaining experience in the past two years.

Zhu Youling felt proud and expectant, not only because her husband was highly regarded among the younger generation of generals, but also because he was very outstanding. Zhang Fu's father, Zhang Yu, was also an outstanding general. As long as there were enough opportunities, it was not impossible for him to be granted a title of nobility and become a general.

Even though it seems a bit stressful now and he is only a senior general, it is not impossible to expect a title.

Princess Anqing suddenly realized that something was wrong and said, "Yun Hu, you are the smartest! We haven't said anything yet, but you've already said a lot! What's wrong? Your aunt came to congratulate you on having a child, and you can't say anything?"

The devil is always one step ahead of the righteous. After Zhu Yunhuan's little thoughts were exposed, they immediately became a laughing stock.

Zhu Yunhuan scratched his head and said, "Aunt, you are wrongly accusing me."

Princess Ningguo also laughed and joked, "Yunhuan, we haven't even said a few words yet and you've already brought up the topic of titles. What's wrong? Are you afraid that we'll tease you?"

Zhu Yourong and Zhu Youling were also laughing secretly. They had naturally realized now that what Zhu Yunhuan had said before was of course important, but it was also obvious that he was trying to change the subject.

Xu Miaojin was also laughing at this time. She had been teased for a long time, and now it was Zhu Yunhuan's turn. But even if it was just a joke, it didn't matter. The most important thing was that she was pregnant, and the future of the Ming Dynasty was promising.

Princess Anqing looked around deliberately, and said in a normal voice, "Yunhuan, I have thought about this. If you were the crown prince, I would probably not be afraid of you. If you were the emperor, I would not dare to be presumptuous."

Zhu Yunhuan said calmly, "Aunt, even if I become the emperor, you are still my aunt. Can I still put on airs in front of you?"

Princess Anqing immediately started gossiping and asked excitedly, "It is said that my father has already given my nephew a name, right?" Zhu Yunhuan did not hide it, "Wen Yao, if it is a boy, it will be Wen Yao. This is great, my son and my uncles are all named after words."

Zhu Wenzhen, Li Wenzhong, Zhu Wenying (Mu Ying), Zhu Wenxun, Zhu Wengang, He Wenhui, etc., are all from the writing generation.

Princess Ningguo said nonchalantly, "It doesn't matter. They are all side branches. Wen Yao will inherit the ancestor's position in the future. How can he be counted in the generation name?"

Princess Anqing also said, "That's right. Don't talk about us anymore. Even your uncles from Qin will kowtow to you. Fortunately, we don't attend the court. Otherwise, it would be weird."

There seemed to be nothing wrong with this statement, and Zhu Chong and others were used to it. Zhu Yunhuan, the crown prince, was still a king.

Zhu Yunxun didn't care about that and said, "It's not good for Wen Yao's name to be spread out now, it's enough for family members to know about it."

Princess Anqing and the others naturally knew what was going on. Great-grandson, great-grandson. Now everyone was hoping that Xu Miaojin was pregnant with a boy. But until the moment of birth, no one could guarantee it.

Princess Anqing continued to gossip and asked, "Yunhuan, does what the emperor said before still count?"

Now everyone present was concerned and a little nervous. They all knew some things, after all, in the past, Old Zhu had urged them to get married and have children privately, and some of his promises were not secrets.

Zhu Yunhuan was a little embarrassed and said vaguely, "Why are you guys thinking about this matter? Do you think I dare to ask?"

Princess Anqing did not give up. She felt that there was hope. "You are so brave, what is there that you dare not ask? If you really ask, can the emperor blame you?"

Princess Ningguo's focus was different. "Yun Hun, you were not happy when I mentioned those things before. Could it be that by the end of this year or next year, my Ming Dynasty will have to prepare for the coronation ceremony?"

In fact, there is a difference between ascending the throne and ascending the throne. The new emperor can ascend the throne from the moment the previous emperor passes away, while ascending the throne is a unique way for the emperor to show his dominance over the world.

Ascending to the throne does not necessarily mean ascending the throne, but the emperor who ascends the throne must come from the throne.

Others also reacted instantly at this time. Zhu Yunhuan didn't like this kind of topic before. But this time it seemed different. Even if it was vague, it was still a response.

Looking at the shining eyes around him, Zhu Yunhuan felt a lot of pressure. "Aunt, aunt, I don't mind being scolded. If you meddle in this matter, grandfather will be angry."

Princess Ningguo and Princess Anqing certainly understood these things, so as the emperor's legitimate daughters, they would never pay too much attention to the affairs of the court, let alone participate in them.

Looking at the extension of these pairs of gossips, Zhu Yunhuan instantly felt the pressure, real pressure.

It is true that the more you talk, the more mistakes you will make, especially when it comes to the people around you. They all know Zhu Yunhuan's personality and habits, and some of his past.

Princess Anqing was very excited, "Yunhu, this is a good thing. Your royal grandfather is almost seventy years old, it's time for him to enjoy his old age."

Princess Ningguo said, "He suffered a lot when he was young, and was busy fighting wars and governing the country. He has not had many comfortable days in his life. Now that you can manage the country, it's time to let him take a break."

Princess Anqing continued gossiping and speaking her mind, "I read the history books and found that Emperor Wu of Han was so confused in his later years that the foundation of the country was shaken. According to the Zizhi Tongjian, there are doubts about the death of Emperor Taizong of Tang. Let alone Emperor Xuanzong of Tang, his later years were not good either."

Zhu Yunhuan immediately couldn't help but become suspicious, "Aunt, Aunt, before you came to the East Palace, didn't you go to Wuying Palace first? Don't test me, if you really give it to me, I will take it!"

These can be regarded as Zhu Yunhuan's clear attitude, which is quite different from before.

Everyone around Zhu Yunhuan knew this, and they never took up the topic before. But now it was different, although they said "take it if it's given to you", it still seemed vague and euphemistic.

But this is a clear attitude, and it is considered quite thoughtful about the throne. Many things are now clear to everyone.

Zhu Yunhuan was more and more certain that his two aunts also came with a mission. Not only did they come to see Xu Miaojin, they probably got instructions from Old Zhu to come and test her.

It would be unreasonable not to take over the throne. Especially now that Zhu Yunhuan thought he had a strong control over the court and was more adept at handling political affairs.

Since all conditions are relatively mature, there is no need to look back and forth or worry about too many things.

It is certainly a good thing to have Zhu Yuanzhang's protection, but sooner or later Zhu Yunhuan will have to face and take responsibility for some things alone, so it is better for him to face them now.

Zhu Yourong and Zhu Youling seemed even happier, and their joy was clearly visible on their faces, and they could not hide their feelings at all. Although they all knew that Zhu Yunhuan's position was stable, they still felt that there was a difference between the crown prince and the emperor.

Xu Miaojin seemed calm, but she was quite excited. Old Zhu had already let out a hint, and now the two princesses' probing could explain something more.

Zhu Yunhuan was very calm, "Aunt, little aunt, you have to manage the relatives and ladies of the royal family well this year, and don't let anything go wrong."

Princess Anqing and Princess Ningguo naturally understood this truth. Even if Zhu Yunhuan's position was stable, if the time came for the transfer of imperial power, there would most likely be some turmoil.

It is definitely not a bad thing to be more cautious. If something goes wrong at these sensitive times, it will cause trouble for the emperor and the crown prince, and that would be a big deal.

Zhu Yunxun also continued, "Also, don't get involved in these things. I'll talk to grandfather if there's anything. It's not a good thing to involve you. Grandfather is a good person, but he shouldn't only care about me and not think about you."

Princess Anqing and Princess Ningguo felt complicated because they could more or less understand some of Zhu Yunhuan's intentions.

After all, they are just princesses, and they must not interfere too much in government affairs. Otherwise, it will be difficult to say in the future.

Now we are just testing the waters. If things continue to develop, maybe we can persuade them to join.

For princesses and county ladies, it is safer not to get involved! (End of this chapter)