The Great Ming Demon Pill: Your Majesty, please address me as the Crown Prince!

The teachers of the main hall quickly received the decree.

They were instructed to suspend their studies, and Prince Zhu Zhanjun of Jiyang would organize a two-week military training program for the students.

Although the group of teachers were somewhat confused, they had no choice but to cooperate obediently.

On the one hand, the emperor's decree could not be disobeyed; on the other hand, Zhu Zhanjun had just given gifts, and he felt obligated to accept them.

They are now quite polite to this Prince of Jiyang.

...................

The Eastern Palace.

Zhang's face was gloomy.

"Your Highness, that boy's sugar business is booming."

"His Majesty has always favored the Prince of Han, thinking him to be a skilled warrior, just like himself in his youth."

"Now there's another Zhu Zhanjun, trying to please His Majesty."

"If this continues, what if His Majesty, because he favors this grandson, decides to change the heir apparent and pass the throne to the Prince of Han? Will we still have a chance to survive?"

Zhu Gaochi put down the book in his hand, his chubby face full of helplessness.

"What can I do?"

"My father's thoughts are never something that others can guess."

"Let's just focus on doing our own jobs well."

"If we do anything else underhanded, Father will be displeased when he finds out."

Zhang was so angry that her face turned pale.

in the corner.

Zhu Zhanji clenched his fists so tightly that his nails almost dug into his palms.

Before that little brat, he was the most favored grandson!

....................

Five days later.

The camp designated by the Five Military Commands in the outskirts of Beijing.

Zhu Di stood on the slope, watching with great interest a large group of teenagers running in circles below.

In the distance, there was a huge red banner that read: "Half-Month Summer Camp, Lifelong Military Service!"

He clicked his tongue in amazement.

"I thought Zhanjun was just joking."

"I didn't expect they'd actually get serious."

"But will practicing like this even be effective?"

Meng Ji, standing beside him, said cautiously.

"His Highness Prince Jiyang may have his own ideas."

Zhu Di stroked his beard.

"Never mind."

"Just don't cause me any trouble."

As he was speaking, he suddenly heard singing coming from below.

"I love you, even if I walk alone through dark alleys."

"I love the way you refuse to kneel."

"Loving you has confronted despair."

"..."

Zhu Di glanced at it a few times, somewhat bewildered.

What is all this stuff?

.....................

Half a month later.

Inside the main hall of the Duke of Ying's mansion, Zhang Fu had just returned from court when he saw servants bustling about, lanterns and decorations everywhere, and the aroma of cooking wafting from the kitchen.

He stood under the corridor, still in his court robes, looking somewhat bewildered.

"Madam, this is..." Zhang Fu called out to Lady Liu, the Duchess of Yingguo, who was directing the maids, "What important matter is happening in the manor today? Why such extravagance?"

Liu turned around and smiled.

"Has the Duke left court?"

"Today is the day Mao'er finishes her military training and goes home!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Fu was taken aback at first, then suddenly realized, and raised his hand to pat his forehead: "I almost forgot, it was some kind of military training summer camp organized by the Prince of Jiyang, Mao'er has been there for half a month."

His tone carried a hint of indifference.

He really didn't care about this damn military training.

They simply treated it as their own son going to play with the Prince of Jiyang.

He still had a headache when talking about his son.

Ever since he started hanging out with Zhu Zhanjun, this son has become increasingly audacious.

I don't know if it is a good thing or a bad thing.

Just then, a commotion broke out.

The two were startled and looked in the direction of the sound, only to see Zhang Mao's figure appear at the entrance of the main hall.

He was dressed in a strange outfit that I had never seen before. His shirt and trousers were made of patches of green in different shades, resembling dappled tree shadows. He also wore a round hat of the same color. He stood up straight and looked straight ahead.

Zhang Fu was taken aback and hadn't reacted yet when Zhang Mao strode up to him, stopping about three steps away. With a sharp "snap," Zhang Mao brought his legs together, raised his right hand to his forehead, and performed a clean, unprecedented salute, while simultaneously shouting in a strong voice, "Father! You've worked hard!"

Zhang Fu was taken aback by this sudden turn of events, looking completely bewildered.

Zhang Mao held the salute for two seconds, then quickly lowered his hand, turned to his mother Liu, straightened his back, raised his head, and saluted loudly, saying, "Mother! You've worked hard too!"

Liu was startled at first, but then she looked at her son's tense little face but unusually energetic appearance, and heard him say "You've worked hard." Her heart warmed and her eyes even reddened slightly.

She quickly stepped forward, wanting to take her son's hand, but seeing that he was standing straight, she said softly, "My son... have you suffered these past two weeks? Let your mother see you."

Zhang Mao said loudly, "Mother, I am not suffering! His Highness the Prince of Jiyang said that military training strengthens the body and tempers the will, preparing me to serve His Majesty and the Ming Dynasty in the future!"

"My son is always ready!"

Zhang Fu's eyelids twitched.

He swallowed hard.

What's up with this kid?

It's like he's become a completely different person.

He coughed lightly.

"Brother, why are you dressed like that... all flashy and gaudy?"

"Father!" Zhang Mao immediately retorted, "This is called 'camouflage clothing,' designed by His Highness the Prince of Jiyang! His Highness said that wearing it in the jungles and mountains makes it difficult for the enemy to spot; it's for concealment and disguise!"

"His Highness also said that if our Ming Dynasty's army could be equipped with these in the future, we would have an advantage in battle!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Fu raised an eyebrow and began to re-examine the clothes.

He was a military commander and hadn't paid attention to it before, but his son's reminder made him realize the value of the clothes.

That Prince of Jiyang is quite formidable.

They actually thought of changing the color of their clothes as a disguise.

For a mere child to have such ideas is simply military genius!

Zhang Fu then withdrew his initial contempt and spoke with a slightly more serious tone.

"What have you been doing all this time?"

"Reporting to Father!" Zhang Mao recited with great familiarity, "Every day at dawn, we would get up and run five li (approximately 2.5 kilometers)!"

"Standing at attention for half an hour at a time, practicing formations, and maintaining proper discipline in walking, sitting, and lying down!"

"There are also activities like wilderness navigation, basic first aid, and teamwork games..."

"Father, Mother, let me show you what I can do!"