The Ming Dynasty: The most ruthless imperial grandson, Old Zhu begged me not to kill him.

Chapter 634 The situation in the court
In the capital city, the solemn Forbidden City stands in the morning light, its magnificent palaces gleaming in the golden sunlight.

Zhu Xiong Ying stepped into the palace gates, but felt no relief whatsoever.

Despite having just returned from a great victory on the frontier, he understood that the turmoil in the imperial court was far more complex than that on the battlefield.

"Your Highness, the Emperor is already waiting in the main hall. Please enter the palace immediately."

A palace attendant hurried forward and respectfully reported the news.

Zhu Xiong Ying nodded slightly, her eyes showing a hint of contemplation.

"What is the purpose of Father's summons today?"

He felt a vague unease, as if he had a premonition that the situation in the capital was not as calm as it appeared.

Upon entering the main hall, Zhu Xiong Ying immediately felt a sense of oppression.

The civil and military officials stood on both sides, each with an exceptionally solemn expression.

The emperor sat high on the dragon throne, his gaze deep, as if waiting for Zhu Xiong Ying's arrival.

"Your subject Zhu Xiong Ying greets Your Majesty!"

Zhu Xiong Ying stepped forward quickly and bowed.

The emperor nodded slightly, his gaze lingering on him for a moment before turning to the assembled officials in the hall.

"The Grandson has pacified the border regions and stabilized the northwestern tribes, achieving remarkable military exploits."

"My esteemed subjects, what do you think?"

As soon as the emperor finished speaking, the court fell silent. The ministers looked at each other, seemingly waiting for someone to speak first.

Finally, Minister of Revenue He stepped forward first, cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, His Highness the Crown Prince's decisive use of troops in this campaign to quell the border rebellion is a great achievement."

"In my opinion, he should be greatly rewarded to show his gratitude."

As soon as he finished speaking, the Minister of War on the other side also stepped forward.

"His Highness the Crown Prince not only quelled the rebellion, but also intimidated the Timurid Empire, preventing it from taking any rash actions."

"This move not only stabilized the borders, but also enhanced the prestige of our Great Ming Dynasty."

"This achievement deserves recognition."

For a time, praise filled the court, as if everyone was cheering for Zhu Xiong Ying's military achievements.

However, Zhu Xiong Ying stood in the center of the hall, but there was no trace of smugness in his eyes.

He knew that beneath the surface of praise lay a turbulent undercurrent.

Sure enough, just as the praises of the courtiers had faded, an official dressed in brocade robes slowly walked out.

It was Zhang Jing, the Minister of Rites.

He stood before the crowd, slightly cupping his hands in greeting, his eyes revealing a profound meaning.

"Your Majesty, His Highness the Crown Prince has indeed made outstanding contributions, but this old minister believes that some matters still require careful consideration."

"Although the suppression of this rebellion was swift and effective, it also exposed the fragility of our Ming Dynasty's border defenses."

"If His Highness the Crown Prince had not personally taken command, the situation on the border would probably have been even more complicated."

"Therefore, I believe that the most important thing at present is to strengthen the border defenses, rather than simply praising military achievements."

Although Zhang Jing's words appeared calm on the surface, they contained a hidden edge, seemingly questioning Zhu Xiong Ying's decision.

The atmosphere in the court instantly became tense, and the officials began to whisper among themselves.

The emperor frowned slightly and turned his gaze to Zhu Xiong Ying, clearly waiting for his response.

Zhu Xiong Ying's heart sank, knowing that Zhang Jing's doubts were not unfounded.

He stepped forward, cupped his hands slightly, and spoke in a calm yet firm tone.

“What Lord Zhang said is indeed reasonable.”

"The weakness of the border defense line is a problem we must face squarely."

"Although this rebellion was quelled, it also exposed the shortcomings in our border defense construction."

"However, I believe that the stability of the frontier depends not only on the defense line, but also on a strong military and a stable rule."

He spoke calmly, without avoiding the issue at all, but instead went straight to the heart of the matter.

Zhang Jing frowned slightly, seemingly surprised by Zhu Xiong Ying's response.

"What His Highness the Crown Prince said is not without reason."

"But the construction and consolidation of the border defenses require the court to plan for the long term, rather than relying solely on the victory of a single battle." Zhu Xiong Ying smiled slightly, his eyes revealing calmness and wisdom.

"That is why I suggested establishing more defensive outposts on the frontier and increasing the troop deployment."

"In this way, we can not only reduce our reliance on border defense, but also more effectively deter those tribes with disloyal intentions."

His words resonated deeply, and the murmurs in the court gradually subsided as all eyes turned to him.

The emperor nodded slowly, his eyes showing a hint of approval.

"The Crown Prince is right."

"The stability of the border is not just a matter of defense, but also the foundation of the strength of our Great Ming."

"Lord Zhang, what do you think of the Crown Prince's proposal?"

Zhang Jing remained silent for a moment, then cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty is absolutely right, this old minister has no objection."

With Zhang Jing's retreat, the atmosphere in the court eased slightly, but Zhu Xiong Ying still felt a sense of urgency.

He knew that although he had successfully dealt with Zhang Jing's questioning today, the turmoil in the court was far from over.

"The Crown Prince".

The emperor suddenly spoke, his gaze deep and unfathomable.

"Your campaign has been remarkably successful, but it has also given me hope for the future of the Ming Dynasty."

"The stability of the frontier and the consolidation of the court depend on you for the future."

"are you ready?"

Zhu Xiong Ying was shocked; he had never seen his father so solemn.

This is not just a statement of concern, but also a transmission of responsibility.

He took a deep breath, slowly knelt down, and respectfully said, "Your subject will certainly not fail the Emperor's trust."

The emperor nodded slightly, his eyes filled with complex emotions.

"Alright, I trust you."

As the emperor finished speaking, the atmosphere in the court gradually eased.

However, Zhu Xiong Ying knew in her heart that this moment of calm was just a facade.

The power struggle in the imperial court has only just begun.

As the emperor announced the end of the court session, the officials left the hall one after another. Zhu Xiong Ying also slowly rose, his eyes still filled with deep thought.

"Your Highness, your response just now was decisive and courageous."

Li Jinglong followed behind Zhu Xiong Ying and said in a low voice, his tone filled with admiration.

Zhu Xiong Ying smiled slightly, her eyes revealing calmness.

"The struggles in the imperial court are far more complex than the sword fights on the battlefield."

"Zhang Jing's doubts are just the beginning; I'm afraid there will be more challenges ahead."

His tone carried a hint of helplessness, yet it was also full of determination.

"Your Highness, you have proven yourself. Whether it is the war on the frontier or your handling of matters in the court, the ministers have nothing to say."

Li Jinglong said in a low voice, clearly having full confidence in Zhu Xiong Ying.

Zhu Xiong Ying nodded slightly, but remained alert and vigilant.

"The struggles in the imperial court are not just about power, but also about the future of the Ming Dynasty."

"I must remain vigilant at all times in order to deal with the upcoming turmoil."

He said this with a deep sense of determination in his voice.

Stepping out of the palace gates, the sunlight was still bright, but Zhu Xiong Ying's sense of responsibility grew heavier.

He knew that the road ahead was full of unknown challenges, but he could not back down.

Whether for the sake of the Ming Dynasty or for his own responsibility, he had to persevere.

As the footsteps faded into the distance, Zhu Xiong Ying's figure gradually disappeared outside the palace gates.

He had already begun to plan every step he would take next.

(End of this chapter)