Zhu Yuanzhang, who commanded the wind and rain, lived a long and arduous life.

Zhu Yuanzhang smiled and said, "It's the 26th of the year. We might not be able to make it to the New Year. I attended a banquet last night, and there are some things I'd like to talk to you about."

Zhu Xiong Ying said "Oh," and asked, "What's wrong, Grandpa?"

Zhu Yuanzhang's expression was somewhat solemn as he earnestly asked Zhu Xiong Ying, "Do you still remember the provisions we told you about for the vassal kings?"

Zhu Xiong Ying nodded: "The Ming Dynasty's princes are divided into inner and outer kingdoms. The outer kingdoms are surrounded by nine passes, each one fraught with danger."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded: "Today, having met the princes of the border regions, I find that each of them is exceptionally outstanding. I ask you, if the emperor were to establish an heir apparent, and the heir is too young, how would he gain the support of the people? If the princes of the border regions are not satisfied, what should be done with them?"

After he finished speaking, Zhu Yuanzhang stared nervously at Zhu Xiong Ying.

Zhu Yuanzhang had previously tested Zhu Xiong Ying with these words, but he had phrased them rather subtly at the time. Now, however, he had brought them up directly.

Can the young emperor who grew up under the wing of Zhu Yuanzhang control those border kings who fought their way out of the blood and fire?

Zhu Yuanzhang, who spent his life on military campaigns, could not have been unaware of such a problem.

Currently, Crown Prince Zhu Biao has undergone his test.

But he also wanted to see if his grandson had the courage to do so!

With his father's guidance, he must be even stronger now, both in terms of mindset and ability.

Today, at the banquet in the main hall, the adult princes dressed humbly and composedly, while the young vassal kings deliberately flaunted their military prowess on the frontier.

Zhu Yuanzhang saw everything and was deeply worried.

He was conflicted. On the one hand, he saw the potential dangers, but on the other hand, he was unwilling to suppress his sons who had made contributions for no reason because of his grandson.

He didn't know what to do. Zhu Yuanzhang could make decisions on everything, but this was the only thing that kept him tossing and turning all night.

Zhu Xiong Ying looked at Zhu Yuanzhang with a puzzled expression and asked suspiciously, "Grandpa, why are you suddenly bringing this up again?"

Zhu Yuanzhang shook his head: "Don't ask. If you were the crown prince, how would you deal with these vassal kings? What if they become ambitious in the future..."

Zhu Xiong Ying smiled and said, "Oh, you're overthinking it. With the authority and righteousness of the imperial court, as well as inexhaustible resources of money and soldiers, I think the princes will be loyal and devoted. Hehe."

Zhu Yuanzhang seemed dissatisfied: "What if he harbors rebellious intentions? What if he really intends to rebel against the court?"

Zhu Xiong Ying smiled, his eyes gradually narrowing: "The imperial army is not to be trifled with, and the border kings are not of one mind. If such a situation really occurs, we should suppress it, and after suppressing it, we should put them under house arrest."

"You...you're not going to kill them?"

Seeing the old man's tense expression, Zhu Xiong Ying knew what he was thinking.

The old man valued family harmony his whole life and did not want to see ethical tragedies.

Zhu Xiong Ying then went along with him, saying, "After all, we're relatives separated only by a strip of water. How could we possibly use a butcher's knife? Hehe."

Zhu Yuanzhang grasped Zhu Xiong Ying's hand: "Do you really think so?"

Zhu Xiong Ying didn't know why the old man was suddenly so serious, so she nodded and asked, "Hmm, what's wrong?"

Zhu Yuanzhang breathed a sigh of relief and was as happy as a child: "Nothing, nothing, good boy, good boy!"

"well done!"

Zhu Xiong Ying smiled.

A relieved smile gradually appeared on the old man's face. He patted Zhu Xiong Ying on the shoulder and said, "If everyone were as filial as you, there would be no worries in the world."

Zhu Xiong Ying didn't say much, but smiled and looked at the cheerful old man, saying, "Come on, come on! Grandpa, we have a lot of cured meat and fish at home. Take them all back and eat them with Grandma!"

Zhu Yuanzhang was about to refuse, but Zhu Xiong Ying said in an unyielding tone, "Grandpa, why are you being so polite with me? I've tried all these cured meats and sausages. You haven't been here for the past few days, and I've had the cook stir-fry vegetables for us every day. The taste, the oiliness, it's all amazing!"

"Alright! No need for formalities!"

Zhu Xiong Ying got up, sticking her bottom out. The old man smiled knowingly as he watched Zhu Xiong Ying bustling around.

"Tsk! Only our eldest grandson is loyal to us, without any other ulterior motives!"

Zhu Xiong Ying had Zheng He go to the greenhouse to cut a basket of green vegetables, and then filled a basket with cured meat, fish, and sausages, which he then handed to Zhu Yuanzhang with great satisfaction.

"Oh, it's a bit heavy. Did you bring your henchmen?"

Ma... henchman?

Zhu Yuanzhang laughed heartily!

If the commander of the Imperial Guard knew he had been given this nickname, I wonder how resentful he would be. This kid has a really sharp tongue!

"Yes, yes, the henchmen are waiting outside!"

Zhu Xiong Ying nodded and said, "That's good then."

"Oh, right! I told you to drink less. You didn't drink too much at the banquet last night, did you?"

Zhu Xiong Ying looked at Zhu Yuan Zhang with a suspicious expression.

Zhu Yuanzhang, like an old man caught red-handed, quickly lowered his head and said, "No, no!"

Zhu Xiong Ying said irritably, "Then that means you have it!"

"You're too old for that, please don't try to be brave! Your health is important, okay? Next time anyone invites you to drink, I'll chop them up!"

Zhu Yuanzhang laughed and said, "You little rascal, you've got quite the nerve!"

Zhu Xiong Ying rolled her eyes at him: "I'm thinking of you."

Zhu Yuanzhang chuckled and said, "Alright, alright! Whoever dares to invite us for a drink, we'll chop them up ourselves, is that settled?"

Zhu Xiong Ying nodded in satisfaction, but still said, "Necessary social occasions, family reunions during the New Year, and the like, you should still drink, just a little, don't drink too much. You're getting on in years, live well, we haven't finished taking care of you yet."

Zhu Yuanzhang listened to Zhu Xiong Ying's rambling incessantly, but instead of being impatient, he listened very attentively and nodded repeatedly.

"Yes, yes, yes! You're right!"

Zhu Xiong Ying smiled and said, "Alright, it's still early. You should go home early and get some more sleep. I know you have a lot to do in your old age, so you don't need to come."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded, while Jiang Huan stood beside him carrying two large baskets of cured meat and vegetables.

Zhu Yuanzhang turned back to look at Zhu Xiong Ying, who was standing at the gate of his mansion watching him leave, and murmured, "My eldest grandson, my good grandson! I used to think that birth, aging, sickness, and death were the natural course of life... but why do I suddenly not want to leave this world anymore?"

Zhu Yuanzhang felt a growing tension in his heart, and his nose began to sting.

Zhu Xiong Ying waved and called out loudly from behind the old man, "Grandpa, watch your step! Don't be distracted!"

"Lord Jiang, watch your step! The road's slippery! If I fall, I'll chop you up!"

Jiang Huan looked resentful and said, "Me... dare I!"

If the old man is about to fall, I don't need you to chop him up, I'll just kill myself, okay?

Zhu Yuanzhang smiled, waved his hand behind his back, and said impatiently, "I know! Stop nagging!"

Today is the 26th day of the twelfth lunar month, and the end of the year is getting closer.

After seeing the old man off, Zhu Xiong Ying went back to sleep for a while.

The weather was gloomy, and a light drizzle was rhythmically pattering on the ground outside, adding a touch of gentleness to this Jiangnan region.

Zhu Xiong Ying slept for less than an hour before getting up and having some breakfast.

Red lanterns were hung everywhere in the courtyard, creating a festive atmosphere.

After having a good breakfast, Zhu Xiong Ying moved a stool to sit in front of the door and listened to the rain.

Zheng He brewed a pot of tea and quietly placed it next to Zhu Xiong Ying.

Just as he was about to leave, Zhu Xiong Ying stopped him and asked, "If you were allowed to enter the palace again now, what would you think?"

Zheng He was taken aback for a moment, then hurriedly said, "I have been serving you for some time now, and I am used to taking care of you. I do not wish to enter the palace."

Zhu Xiong Ying shook his head: "Can you handle the intrigue and backstabbing in the palace?"

Zheng He was stunned. He knew that his master was determined to send him to the palace.

Zheng He felt a little sad. He had taken care of the master for so long, and he didn't want to leave at all.

However, he still stubbornly said, "I will do whatever you ask me to do, even if there is deceit and treachery, I can adapt!"

Zhu Xiong Ying nodded: "If you don't enter the palace, you won't get the opportunity to go to sea, because if you stay here, the court will have no reason to use you."

"I will spend the Spring Festival at the Duke of Liang's residence this year. At that time, I will ask the Duke of Liang to find a way to send you to the palace in Zheng He's name."

"In the palace, behave yourself and be patient in everything. When the court opens up the seas, I will use all my power to help you go to sea, make a name for yourself and achieve great things. You don't necessarily have to be on the battlefield. Make the most of this opportunity."

Hearing Zhu Xiong Ying's heartfelt words, Zheng He's eyes reddened. She prostrated herself on the ground and respectfully kowtowed three times to Zhu Xiong Ying: "Master! This servant knows, this servant... will definitely not disgrace you!"

Zhu Xiong Ying nodded and said, "Go and call the Liao brothers here."

"Yes!"

Before long, Zheng He summoned the Liao brothers and said, "Greetings, Your Highness."

Zhu Xiong Ying nodded: "You two also have families in the capital. Don't stay here for the New Year. Go back and celebrate the New Year. Go to the warehouse and get an extra month's allowance. Buy some good meat to show your respect to your parents."

"Oh, I'm sorry, your father has passed away. Look at my brain, I should go and take good care of my mother."

The Liao brothers were stunned. In the Eastern Palace, no one had ever said such heartfelt words to them.

Zhu Yunwen and his mother treated him like a servant for many years. They were the descendants of founding heroes. Although their grandfather had made mistakes, they still had a sense of pride in their bones.

Hearing Zhu Xiong Ying's caring words, the two were deeply moved.

Liao Yong pondered for a moment and said, "Thank you, Your Highness. Our home is not far from here, and it is our duty to protect your safety, sir."

Liao Yue added, "Brother is right. Uncle, please don't worry about us two brothers."

Zhu Xiong Ying nodded: "Okay, but you can take an extra month's allowance. Go and get it!"

"If we don't treat our parents with something presentable for the New Year, how will we show our respect to them? What will we boast about to our neighbors? I may not have much else to give you, but I'm not stingy when it comes to money."

Deeply moved by Zhu Xiong Ying's words, the Liao brothers sniffled and said, "His Highness also needs money in Jiaozhi, we..."

Zhu Xiong Ying rolled her eyes at the two brothers: "You two are both grown men, yet you speak so hesitantly. Do I have to say it again?"

The Liao brothers chuckled sheepishly, "No, no, that's alright. We'll take it then. Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness!"

Zhu Xiong Ying smiled. He knew exactly how these two brothers treated him.

Currently, the income of Tianyun Temple in Yanshan and the post station is managed by the two brothers. Most of the temple's property passes through their hands. They are also responsible for maintaining order in Yanshan and ensuring the safety of the temple. The two brothers work hard without complaint and have never caused Zhu Xiong Ying and Zhu Chang Ye any trouble.

He is diligent and conscientious in his work, and is someone Zhu Xiong Ying can trust.

A strong wind reveals the strength of the grass, and time reveals the true character of a person. Zhu Xiong Ying saw the loyalty of the two brothers.

"By the way," Zhu Xiong Ying said, looking at Zheng He standing to the side, "have the rice, flour, meat, and fish for the tenant farmers over at Yanshan been sent over?"

Zheng He said, "Everything is arranged, but there's still one thing missing."

Zhu Xiong Ying nodded: "Okay, I've got nothing else to do anyway. Give me an umbrella, I'll go check out the market."

"it is good!"

Zheng He knew that his master often preferred to be alone and to think, so he consciously did not go out with Zhu Huai.

Zhu Xiong Ying left, holding an oil-paper umbrella in one hand and standing tall.

As the Liao brothers watched Zhu Xiong Ying leave, the second brother, Liao Yue, sniffed and said, "Brother, why am I so touched? His Highness's way of speaking is truly remarkable; it warms my heart."

Liao Yong smiled and said, "To put it bluntly, Your Highness is even more outstanding than the old man and the Crown Prince!"

"His words still carried the air of someone in a superior position. Although he was still ordering us brothers around, it somehow made people feel comfortable!"

"Look, this is the art of speaking!"

Liao Yue chuckled: "Some of the vassal kings from the northern frontier have come to the capital. We don't know if they will have any designs on the future throne."

Liao Yong's gaze was deep as he said, "Anyone with ambition will definitely notice the old man's movements. We must keep a close eye on him. His Highness cares about us, he is doing us a favor, and he wants us to have a peaceful New Year. But loyalty and filial piety have never been able to coexist."

"Second brother, here's the arrangement: we'll take turns serving our mother during the year-end and taking turns guarding His Highness. If anything happens to His Highness, we're all dead."

Liao Yue nodded emphatically: "Yes, yes! Big brother is right!"

……

Recently,

In his spare time, Zhu Xiong Ying also tried to study the future development direction of the Jiaozhi Provincial Administration Commission.

Liu Sanwu also came once, subtly suggesting that Zhu Xiong Ying should give up on continuing to manage Jiaozhi.

Liu Sanwu's idea was simple: that barren land, no matter how much effort was put into it, would not cause any major trouble. Moreover, because of Zhu Huai, many officials of the court were forced to transfer to Jiaozhi. Although many people did not know that Zhu Xiong Ying was the one behind Jiaozhi, they had already turned their attention to Xie Jin and Tie Xuan.

These two people, whom Zhu Xiong Ying had pushed to the forefront, were now being impeached repeatedly. Even trivial matters from the past could become targets of private ridicule and attacks from some officials.

Zhu Xiong Ying didn't blame Liu San Wu, because in everyone's eyes, even in the old man's eyes, their expectations for Jiaozhi were not as high as they had anticipated!

Although Zhu Xiong Ying had initially told the old man about his grand vision and plans for the Jiaozhi Provincial Administration Commission.

But the old man always thought it was nonsense.

In the eyes of the Chinese, Jiaozhi was a wild and barren land. The people there were difficult to tame, agriculture was generally backward, legal awareness was weak, and transportation was inconvenient.

In particular, the area between Jiaozhi and Yunnan is a long stretch of jungle, and bandits and outlaws were rampant in this region.