The First Uncle of the Ming Dynasty

Chapter 148 Be Nice to My Sister

It is easy to enter the palace, but it is now difficult to leave the palace.

It’s not that Zhu Yuanzhang and his family were worried that Ma Xun would run away, but that he had serious things to do now.

It is a big deal to train some nannies, personal maids or eunuchs to govern the princes and grandchildren of the emperor, and to teach them some first aid methods, some parenting concepts, etc.

This is not because Ma Xun is the emperor's uncle, so his words are final. Some things will still be "debated". Some traditional concepts and experiences are also worth referring to.

The nannies of these princes and princesses also have a say, as they themselves have impressive parenting experience.

In addition to training these people, Ma Xun is now also carefully compiling medical books with the imperial doctors of the Imperial Medical Bureau and some doctors recruited from the public.

At first, I was just thinking about some simple first aid, but with Ma Xiuying's strong support, I started preparing for a series of things before pregnancy.

None of this means that Ma Xun is the emperor's brother-in-law and that he can act arbitrarily because of his reputation as a famous doctor.

The use of medicine, medicinal properties, compatibility or symptoms, etc., all need to be carefully studied. Either find clues and prescriptions from ancient books, or consult these famous doctors.

This is a long-term project, but Ma Xun thinks it is worth it. If this thing is done, it will really be a great contribution to the country.

Looking at the key points roughly compiled by Ma Xun and the proposals from some imperial doctors and scholars of the Hanlin Academy, Ma Xiuying was horrified.

Ma Xiuying was a little curious, "Little brother, there are many cases of cousins marrying each other in the folks. Is it really so harmful?"

Ma Xun immediately said, "Yes, there is a record in Zuo Zhuan: if a man and a woman have the same surname, their offspring will not be numerous. In addition, there are similar records in Guoyu and Liji: if people with the same surname do not marry, it is bad for them not to have children, or if you marry a woman with the same surname, do not marry one with the same surname."

Ma Xun further added, "The Book of Rites even records: Those who have not been able to get married for a hundred generations are the result of the Zhou Dynasty."

Close relatives cannot marry, this kind of knowledge has existed since the Spring and Autumn Period, but sometimes it is not known to the people among the people.

Zhu Biao also said immediately, "Then add some laws to prohibit marriage between people with the same surname, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Violators will be punished with caning and forced to divorce!"

The law prohibiting marriage between close relatives also appeared in the Ming Dynasty, and was directly stipulated by Zhu Yuanzhang in the "Great Ming Law". However, this book has been constantly revised, added and deleted, and it may take several years to complete the book.

In the past, some people have mentioned that banning marriage between close relatives is mainly due to ethical reasons.

And now Ma Xun has also given more explanations, saying that marriage between close relatives can easily lead to the birth of disabled, demented, and defective children!
Ma Xiuying said quickly, "This must be forbidden. If a child with some problems is born, the whole family will be dragged down. I thought it was just an ethical issue, but I didn't know it also had medical significance."

This is still an obscure statement, because in this day and age, not to mention children with disabilities, there are even many people in the society who try to get rid of their daughters after they are born.

And these are also the things that the Ming Dynasty is trying hard to ban.
Ma Xun said, "Sister, when I have a son or a daughter, I will not marry them into the royal family."

Zhu Biao said directly, "Uncle, the ages don't match. Besides, it doesn't necessarily mean we are related by blood."

Looking at Zhu Biao who was grinning and joking deliberately, Ma Xun was speechless. Everyone still underestimated Zhu Yuanzhang's ability. He was still able to have children in his sixties, and he didn't have to worry about age and seniority at all.

"Anyway, my son won't be a consort, and my daughter won't be a princess." Ma Xun said, "When the time comes, I will weigh the meritorious families. Family background is important, but character is more important."

Ma Xiuying looked at Zhu Biao and said, "Remember what your uncle said. If your father and I were still alive, it would not be your turn to make the decision. If we are gone, your uncle will arrange the marriage of your brother and sister."

Zhu Biao smiled and said, "Mom, you think too much. If I were to ask you, the ones who are thinking about their younger brothers and sisters right now are really the ninth and tenth brothers."

No, you will have so many brothers and sisters in the future that you won’t be able to count them, and your son will see a bunch of little kids calling him uncle and aunt.

Ma Xiuying then talked about medical books again, "Brother, I see that you mean to be well prepared. From ethics and morality to pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, childbirth, and childcare, this is not a trivial matter."

"It's worth spending some time. It's nothing more than recruiting more doctors and midwives." Ma Xun said with a smile, "It also depends on the Queen's decree, otherwise some things can't be done."

Zhu Biao quickly said in a flattering manner, "Mother, I will be married next year. You see, it will take more than a year or two to compile this book. How about asking the Crown Princess to contribute some effort and money?"

"You're going to forget your mother before you even get married?" Ma Xiuying was immediately unhappy. "Your uncle is willing to give you such a great deed for our family. You have the nerve to ask for it, and you have the nerve to ask for it for Wan'er?"

Zhu Biao said quickly, "Wan'er is going to be the Crown Princess, isn't she? She has a good reputation and high prestige, and your grandson will benefit from it in the future. I have thought about my uncle's side, how can I treat my uncle and my cousin badly?"

Ma Xiuying said nothing more. "Wan'er can only issue an order after she enters the palace. She is not allowed to interfere in this matter now. When there is some progress, I will issue an order to let her take charge of this matter."

Although she was jealous, Ma Xiuying also understood how important this matter was as it would benefit the country and future generations.

It is true that this was done in accordance with the orders of the Empress and the Crown Princess, but the editor-in-chief could only be Ma Xun.

If someone builds a temple in the future and both Empress Ma and Guanyin are worshipped, Ma Xun might be able to get a standing statue in the temple to accompany the sacrifices, which would also be a kind of status and recognition.

Zhu Su, who was sitting on the chair, had shining eyes. His uncle was really amazing.

I originally thought that being a doctor meant curing illnesses and helping people live longer. But I still underestimated my uncle's ability. His medical skills not only cured illnesses and saved countless lives, but also showed more ethical principles in medicine, and he could make great achievements that would be passed down through the ages.

But no one paid attention to Zhu Su, and this guy is now a nobody. He just moved out to live alone, but he didn't get used to it and ran back.

"Little brother, let's go have a drink." Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly appeared and said enthusiastically, "It's just a few of us, it's cold, let's drink some wine to warm ourselves up."

Ma Xun stood up without any objection, as he had just finished reporting some serious business.

Zhu Yuanzhang turned around and glanced at Zhu Biao who was following him. "What are you doing following me?"

"I'm getting married soon, and I can drink now." Zhu Biao said with a smile, "Besides, aren't my second and third brothers here? If it doesn't work, I can pour wine for my aunt and uncle. Is that okay?"

Zhu Yuanzhang stopped talking. If his son wanted to drink, he could follow him. If he wanted to stay and talk with his mother, that was fine too.

Just go straight to the courtyard. Since it is a gathering of relatives, Li Zhen’s courtyard is the most suitable place.

Li Jinglong, the little follower, could not be taken away. In fact, Li Wenzhong’s wife Cao also came, but the child only recognized him as his grandfather.

So now Li Jinglong is like a little adult, always wanting to do what he can, but most of the time he ends up making things more troublesome.

After Zhu Biao finished pouring the wine, he smiled and asked, "Uncle, have you improved your alcohol tolerance?"

"It's still not very good. I drink slowly but get drunk quickly." Ma Xun said with a smile, "I only drink a little wine when I'm with my family. Otherwise, I'd rather drink tea."

Zhu Yuanzhang smiled and said, "Who else can force you to drink? If you can drink, drink. If you don't want to drink, no one will say anything to you."

Zhu Yuanzhang picked up the wine glass and said, "Brother-in-law, let's have a drink."

Li Zhen smiled and picked up the wine glass, drinking a small glass of wine in one gulp, "Now that I'm older, I'm not as good as before. My alcohol tolerance is about the same as mine."

"It's okay to have a little drink, but drinking too much is harmful to your health." Ma Xun looked at Zhu Biao and said seriously, "It's okay for you to drink, but you must not drink too much."

Zhu Yuanzhang then complained, "I guess he's just like you Ma family members, his face turns red after drinking a little."

Halfway through the wine, Ma Xun felt the aftereffects of the rice wine coming back, "Brother-in-law, you have to be nicer to my sister!"

Zhu Yuanzhang, who was drinking happily, said, "You don't have to tell me about this. I will definitely treat my wife well!"

"That's different!" Ma Xun immediately looked at Zhu Biao, "Remember this, you can't let your mother get angry. Otherwise, even if you are the crown prince, I will still be angry with you!"

Zhu Biao asked in surprise, "Uncle, what happened?"

Zhu Yuanzhang also felt something was wrong, "Your sister is fine now, why are you bringing this up?"

"My sister is in menopause now!" Ma Xun said seriously, "She was not in good health to begin with, and now she is easily angry and anxious. If you don't give in to her more, I will take her back and live with her and take care of her."

Zhu Yuanzhang was anxious, "How can you do things like this? You took your sister away for no reason, how can you say that!"

Those who didn’t know would think that the emperor had made the queen angry, so much so that she had to go back to her parents’ home.

Zhu Biao also hurriedly asked, "Uncle, what is this menopause?"

Li Zhen also realized it a little bit later, "No wonder I wanted to leave the palace right after entering it. This time I have been here for almost a month. I thought he was busy with work."

This time Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao also took it seriously, because Ma Xun was indeed a little abnormal.

"Little brother, please explain clearly what menopause is?" Zhu Yuanzhang became nervous. "Is it difficult to cure?"

Ma Xun quickly said, "This is a disease, but it's not a disease either. It's something that all women have when they reach a certain age."

After hearing what Ma Xun said, Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao became even more nervous, and Li Zhen and Li Wenzhong also became nervous.

Some things are hard to say too bluntly, so Ma Xun explained it simply.

Then Ma Xun said seriously, "If my sister suddenly gets a little irritated and out of control, you should give in. It's not that she's being pretentious, it's just that she can't control herself at this age."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded quickly, "Why didn't you tell me earlier? How would I know about this if you didn't tell me!"

Then Zhu Yuanzhang continued to blame, "No wonder I always felt that your sister's temper was a lot worse these days. Did you tell me earlier that I would be angry with her?"

(End of this chapter)