Daming: I am the Crown Prince

Zhu Chong and others knew what kind of personality and style Zhu Yunhuan, the crown prince, had. They did not think there was anything wrong with the crown prince ruling the country, and they all knew that this nephew was very scheming.

As for the royal family, it seems that he is very nice, and even seems to be very protective and trusting of Zhu Chong and others.

But if you think about it carefully, although this person seems to be very good to the royal family on the surface, he always has some ulterior motives.

Zhu Yunhuan naturally cared about the evaluation of these clan members, which was also one of the important forces for him to secure his throne in the future. There was no need to push the clan members out, and it would be more helpful for him to get the support of these people.

Zhu Chong felt a little uneasy, and looked at Zhu Yunhuan and asked, "Yunhuan, I have heard that there are many good things overseas. But if we open the sea, what will your royal grandfather say?"

Zhu Yuanzhang was not allowed to go out to sea, and everyone knew about it. As for the royal family, even though they often acted recklessly and did not seem to care much about the law and discipline, it did not mean that they did not care about anything.

Zhu Yunxun said confidently, "Second Uncle, you have nothing to do in Beijing these days, so go and chat with Grandfather more. I mean to take out some of the proceeds from the opening of the sea so that the royal family can share the benefits."

Zhu Chong and the others were instantly excited. If this was the case, then this thing could definitely be done. Basically, there was no effort involved. This was just a free benefit. Of course, it was worth doing. Anyway, there was no cost or risk involved.

However, Zhu Yunhuan continued, "I had thought about this when I formulated the assessment method. We should find something for the royal family to do. Those with outstanding abilities should also get more benefits, instead of treating all royal family members the same."

These words immediately made many people murmur in their hearts, and there was indeed something unusual here.

According to some previous rules, the treatment of royal family members was based on their ranks such as prince, duke, and general, and the treatment was basically the same.

But there have been some changes before. The so-called method of evaluating royal family members did put some shackles on some royal family members, making it impossible for them to continue to act recklessly. Sometimes they had to abide by their duties.

Zhu Yunhuan continued, "I thought before that the evaluation method seemed to be more of a constraint. If you don't make mistakes, you can get the full quota. But if you do well, you may just get a little reward."

Zhu Chong and others were very touched by this. According to the method of evaluating the royal family, if they made a mistake, their expenses would be reduced. If they behaved themselves, they could basically get the full amount of supplies, which seemed good enough. Not making mistakes was the biggest requirement for them.

Zhu Yunhuan continued, "I don't think this is a good idea. There are still many capable and ambitious people in my clan. They should be rewarded for doing well. How can they be denied rewards just because they are from my clan? The only bad thing about this matter is that some bureaucrats are too talkative."

In fact, there is no need to explain, because Zhu Chong and others now understand some of Zhu Yunhuan's intentions.

Having said so much, now it is nothing more than letting Zhu Chong and others compete with the civil officials, letting these royal family members take the lead, and making the civil service group completely lose their dominance over the Maritime Customs, maritime trade and other matters.

As for how much benefit the royal family will get, this matter is basically a big pie. There will definitely be benefits, it is impossible to be really stingy, but you should never expect to give the royal family absolute benefits.

No matter what they were thinking, Zhu Chong and others knew that they really had to do something when they came to Yingtian Prefecture this time.

There is actually no harm in this. The royal family has been relatively low-key in recent years, and their power has been constantly weakened. Naturally, these princes are more aware of this.

On the other hand, when a dynasty was first established, the status of nobles and royal family members was relatively high. This phenomenon has existed in all dynasties, but this situation will not continue forever.

As long as the world is at peace, the suppression and weakening of royal families and nobles will begin, and they will become a means for civil servants to continuously enhance their reputation.

If we do nothing now, if we just wait passively, good days will become fewer and fewer, and we will have to be careful in the future, or be wary of slander from some civil servants, etc. This is not good.

A new day began. Zhu Yunhuan still went to court early according to his previous habit, drinking and chatting with his uncles. It did not change his normal work and life rhythm. Everything had to go on as usual.

When Zhu Chong and his brothers arrived at the Qianqing Palace, Old Zhu was happy. "You came just in time. We are also planning to move out. You guys can help us."

Although he had guards, eunuchs, etc., there was no need for Old Zhu to do the moving himself, but if his sons came to help, Old Zhu would definitely have no reason to refuse.

Zhu Chong, who was busy with construction in the Prince of Qin's mansion, asked, "Father, it's not a good idea to move out now. Why don't we build a new palace so that we can live more comfortably. The palace is nice, but it's a little damp."

These can be considered as 'congenital deficiencies'. The imperial city of Yingtianfu was built by filling in a lake, so now some of the terrain has sunk and it is a bit damp.

Old Zhu smiled and said indifferently, "No need. The court has too many places to spend money now. Yunhuan wants to dredge the canal, but he doesn't have enough money and grain, so he won't build a new palace."

Zhu Chong quickly expressed his filial piety and said, "Father, I still have some surplus. How about I give some money, and take some more from the inner treasury and the national treasury? It will definitely be enough."

Zhu Gang and others were immediately unhappy. The second son was worthy of being the second son. Even though he had done many ridiculous things over the years, he had always been the son that the emperor loved. There was a reason for that!
"No need. You've spent a lot of money over the years." Old Zhu said jokingly, "I'm too lazy to move. I've lived here for decades and I can't leave."

He has indeed lived here for decades. He lived here when Yingtian Prefecture was first conquered. It was first renovated into a royal palace, and then converted into an imperial palace based on it. He has lived here for most of his life, so how could he just move away?

Zhu Gang also took the initiative to speak at this time, "Father, at the banquet yesterday, the Crown Prince mentioned the matter of trade and opening up the sea. This matter is really too big, and your sons are confused. I hope your father can speak clearly."

"We know what's going on. You can discuss this with Yun Hun. He is the crown prince and should be the emperor." Old Zhu said directly, "Let him handle this matter. We don't care."

It seemed that Old Zhu had become a hands-off boss, but Zhu Chong and others were relieved and felt at ease at this time, so that was enough.

The original maritime ban policy was set by Zhu Yuanzhang, and Zhu Chong and others were certainly aware of it. Now Zhu Yunhuan wants to open the sea and vigorously promote trade, which seems to be completely contrary to the policy set by Zhu Yuanzhang.

Even though he discussed some things with Zhu Yunhuan yesterday and seemed to be supportive, Zhu Chong and others were also worried. If Old Zhu didn't agree, things would become complicated!
Although they had no doubts about Zhu Yunhuan's ability to control the court, Zhu Chong and others were also worried that Zhu Yunhuan and Zhu Yunhuan had different views on politics. If that were the case, they, the princes, should just sit back and watch instead of supporting one side. Even if they really had to express their views, in theory they should support Zhu Yunhuan, which was the most correct approach.

Now I can feel at ease. Zhu Yunhuan is not forcing the royal family to express their opinions or asking them to choose sides. This is the best case scenario. I don't have to worry about offending anyone.

Zhu Wenyao was happy. Looking at the yard full of bearded men, he felt it was lively. He felt close to them and liked them. Of course, the most common feeling was curiosity.

Whether out of love for Zhu Wenyao or to please Old Zhu, Zhu Chong and others all made faces at Zhu Wenyao in an attempt to make the child happy.

The sound of clasps continued in the Qianqing Palace. The big and strong princes looked very friendly, and even showed unprecedented kindness and benevolence. They were all grandfathers, so there was nothing wrong with doing this.

Zhu Zhen became the first among all the princes to hold Zhu Wenyao in his arms. Old Zhu was very happy, "This is rare. Wenyao usually doesn't let Yunxun hold him!"

Zhu Zhen was happy and said, "I guess it's because he sees me as close to him. Father, Meng Wan is also of marriageable age. Should we arrange for him to choose a concubine?"

Zhu Mengwan was Zhu Zhen's third son, but he was the legitimate son. So Zhu Mengwan had to be careful when choosing a princess. As for Zhu Zhen's first two sons, Zhu Mengcong and Zhu Mengjiong, they were not given that much attention.

Old Zhu thought about it carefully and asked uncertainly, "The age difference between Meng Wan and his two brothers is not too big, right?"

Zhu Zhen explained, "The eldest is one year older than the second and Meng Wan. The eldest and the second were married before, and the clan house also approved it. Now it's Meng Wan, and the Crown Prince's Consort said they are still selecting a concubine for Meng Wan."

Old Zhu knew what was going on and said, "Now that we know about this, let's go and urge Yunxun and Miaojin. These two have the same personality. They always play it safe and want to do things perfectly. How can this be possible!"

Zhu Chong and others were in a difficult position to respond. Zhu could complain, but others could not agree with him, otherwise they would be impeached if it got out.

Old Zhu continued to complain, "Take Miao Jin for example, she was corrupted by Yun Hun. In life, it's enough to have a suitable status, no matter what the temperament is. This time, we asked her to help choose the princess, and she wanted to ask about the temperament of the princes and grandsons before choosing the princess. It's all done by putting them together, how troublesome!"

Zhu Chong and others just smiled, but Zhu Chong was really bitter. If he had been treated like this, he would not have been given a Mongolian wife, which almost led to a big mistake.

Old Zhu's way of doing things was too simple and crude, but Zhu Chong and others dared not mention it. So now the way Zhu Yunhuan and Xu Miaojin arranged it may not be the best, but it is definitely better than Old Zhu.

In the past, it was enough to have a good status, and other factors were not considered. Now, although status must be considered, temperament must also be considered to avoid constant jokes within the royal family.

Zhu Zhen obviously had no say in the selection of Zhu Mengwan's concubine, so the matter needed to be handed over to the emperor. If the emperor was unwilling to handle it, the crown prince and the crown prince's consort would handle it.

In fact, Zhu Zhen and others also knew clearly that sometimes the emperor or the crown prince would only inquire about the marriages of these princes and grandsons on the surface, but in reality it was their subordinates who took care of it.

But now Zhu Yunhuan and Xu Miaojin have shown great importance to it and are trying hard to find the most suitable candidate. Naturally, this feeling also requires understanding and recognition.

These are obviously not trivial matters. After all, Zhu Mengwan is the crown prince of Chu and is related to the inheritance of the Chu lineage.

Zhu Chong suddenly asked, "Father, after Yunxun's birthday this year, should we just send him an invitation?"

Old Zhu looked at Zhu Chong and said unhappily, "Why? You still want to come and congratulate in person?"

Zhu Chong quickly explained, "Father, please understand. We don't need to come. But my son Shang Bing grew up with Yun Hun, and they have a deep brotherly love. Since we can't come, it's only right for the Crown Prince to come."

Zhu Gang also reacted and said immediately, "Father, what my second brother said is absolutely right. Shang Bing and Ji Hui grew up studying with Yun Hun in the Great Hall, so it is natural for them to come here."

Zhu Di was very angry. Is it only Shang Bing and Ji Hui? It is obviously my fat son who has the best relationship with Yun Hun!
Old Zhu was happy now, and said, "Okay, let's come on Yunhu's birthday. They grew up together, and Yunhu was a kid who had no one to play with. His brothers will be happy when he becomes emperor."

Zhu Chong looked at his stupid brothers, each of whom only thought about doing the tasks assigned by their father and fighting wars. None of them could figure out how to make their father happy!
After all, Zhu Zhen couldn't hold Zhu Wenyao, because Zhu Wenyao was just a little curious at most, and he still needed to be held by Old Zhu.

Old Zhu doesn't really care about his sons' filial piety or testing. His sons have grown up and naturally have all kinds of thoughts, which are completely understandable.

He did not need all his sons to be extremely close to him, as long as they were lively and had many children, that was enough. As long as his sons kept their duties, that was enough for him.

There is no need to ask too much of the others. After all, they are vassal kings, and there is no way to expect them to become real pillars of the country, or to do much for the country.

We can even think about it in a negative way now. If our sons were more mediocre, that would actually be a good thing. We don't need their help in guarding the country now.

The current situation is what Zhu Yuanzhang is more happy to see. Although his sons are relatively outstanding and have good abilities, fortunately Yun Hun can control them.

There is no need to worry about internal strife or sons' excessive ambitions, and this is obviously enough.

Everyone is down-to-earth, which is better than anything else.

It would be better to direct my sons to help with the move now. These sons are only useful for this little bit. Yingtian Prefecture only needs one brilliant grandson, and the others should keep a low profile! (End of this chapter)