The First Uncle of the Ming Dynasty

Chapter 161 There are too many smart people

Ma Xun was busy all day and there was indeed a lot to do.

You don't have to worry about things like troops and horses. Li Wenzhong and others will arrange it. They are true professionals.

There is nothing to worry about in the Imperial Examination Hall, not that Chang Mao is so outstanding.

But the people in the Ministry of Rites are now very nervous, fearing that Ma Xun would catch them. Everyone from top to bottom is treating the upcoming imperial examination as a formidable enemy and dares not slack off in the slightest.

Zhu Yuanzhang returned to the Qianqing Palace with several memorials, "Sister, sister."

"Mother has gone to deliver clothes to my second brother and his family." Zhu Jingru quickly replied, "She has just been gone for a quarter of an hour. I don't know when she will be back."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded and took the tea from Zhu Jingxian, "Your eldest brother is not here?"

Zhu Jingru shook her head and said, "My brother didn't come, he just sent someone to deliver a letter, and we don't know what it said."

Zhu Yuanzhang was even more satisfied. He was a staunch supporter of the "Legitimate and Illegitimate Religion" and favored sons over daughters.

Even though Zhu Jingru and Zhu Jingxian are legitimate daughters, they are daughters after all, so they are different from sons in many things.

"It's true that people from the same family stick together." Seeing Ma Xiuying coming back, Zhu Yuanzhang said with a smile, "Why is my last name Ma? It would be great if I were a member of the Zhu family. We all do things the same way."

Ma Xiuying joked, "Fortunately, he is from my Ma family. If he were from your family, the second brother and the others would have nowhere to cry."

Zhu Yuanzhang also laughed. He and Ma Xiuying were quite strict with Zhu Chong and others, and they did not slack off on education.

But to be realistic, the focus of their education is more on ability.

And now Ma Xun is a very good supplement. He not only focuses on the abilities of Zhu Chong and others, but also cares about their character.

After thinking for a while, Zhu Yuanzhang said tentatively, "Sister, go and tell my younger brother to be nicer to the second brothers."

"You feel sorry for your son?" Ma Xiuying said unhappily, "Isn't my younger brother good enough to the younger brothers? I want to ask you, how many uncles can be as good as my younger brother?"

Zhu Yuanzhang said quickly, "I've seen how good I am to my brothers. But when he scolds them, I, as their father, feel bad. I can't scold as many of them as I can."

He really loved his son. Although he was very partial to his son, Zhu Yuanzhang was essentially doting and indulging his children.

Ma Xiuying thought for a moment and said, "I think I'll let my younger brother scold them. You can't bear to scold the children, and neither can I. Biao'er can control the second child, but in the future the second child will have to have someone to fear."

After hearing what Ma Xiuying said, Zhu Yuanzhang also stopped.

The meaning is actually very clear, which is to arrange some things for the future.

Zhu Yuanzhang naturally was not worried that Zhu Chong and others would act recklessly under Zhu Biao's control, but at that time there would be some things that Zhu Biao would find difficult to handle.

When that time really comes, Ma Xun, the uncle, can step forward.

Even though Zhu Chong and others were vassal kings at that time, Ma Xun, who had received the imperial edict, could still take charge and punish them.

Zhu Yuanzhang then complained, "Looking at my behavior, he wishes Biaoer would become the emperor tomorrow. He is taking care of the others just to relieve Biaoer of his worries."

Ma Xiuying did not deny it and followed suit, saying, "Biao'er is the worst one. He knows that we are doting on the second child, so he tells his uncle about some things. It's not easy for us to intervene, so we let his uncle be the bad guy."

Zhu Yuanzhang couldn't be more convinced. His eldest son was truly born to be an emperor. Although some of his methods were still a little immature, they were pretty capable.

The combination of kindness and severity, checks and balances, etc. are now being used more and more skillfully.

Ma Xiuying whispered, "I think the second brother and his companions will offend some nobles on their trip back to Fengyang."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded, "My mind is too simple. After all, I grew up among the common people. It's good this way. From now on, the nobles can only be managed by Biao'er."

Ma Xun arranged for some people from the Royal Guards' Mansion to return to Fengyang in advance. Zhu Yuanzhang and Ma Xiuying naturally knew about this, and they were happy to see some things happen.

The illegal activities of some nobles have become increasingly obvious in the past two years, and it is time to start taking some action.

On the other hand, Ma Xun hoped that Zhu Chong and others could understand the true situation of the people, and let them know that it is not easy for the common people to survive. Even if they cannot protect the country and the people in the future, they should do less evil things to disturb the whole village.

This time, Zhu Chong and others were asked to come forward. In the eyes of Zhu Yuanzhang and Ma Xiuying, Ma Xun also wanted to keep Zhu Chong and others at a distance from the nobles.

This guy is also a black-hearted person. It seems that he has a very good relationship with many people in Huaixi.

But when it comes to being on guard, or wanting to restrain these people, he was not soft-hearted at all. He also did not stop the little movements in his hands.

"I have suffered a lot and I have a kind heart." Zhu Yuanzhang smiled and said with some pride, "I can't stand the powerful doing lawless things, nor do I like those rich people oppressing the people."

Ma Xiuying said with some concern, "It's OK under you or Biao'er. If he lives longer, his temper might bring disaster." Zhu Yuanzhang was stunned for a moment, then said dissatisfiedly, "He is older than Biao'er. Besides, we will teach our grandson well in the future, so what else do we have to worry about!"

Ma Xiuying couldn't help laughing, "That's true. I was afraid that he would suffer. But now look, with Biao'er here, I won't suffer."

Zhu Yuanzhang became more and more proud. "If we are really gone, I will feel more comfortable under Biao'er. Just wait and see. Biao'er is like his uncle. The uncle and nephew get along well. They look kind but are stubborn at heart."

Ma Xiuying thought for a while before saying, "I can't compare to Biao'er. He has a simple mind and is a bit calm. I have to practice hard when the second brother and the others go back this time."

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Ma Xiuying and asked tentatively, "How about arranging a few cases for them to practice? I can also practice. He knows how to teach and educate people, and he knows the big principles, but he is ambitious but incompetent."

Ma Xiuying rolled her eyes at Zhu Yuanzhang and said, "Forget it. If there is a case, just deal with it. If there is no case, can we arrange a few for them? We'll talk about it when we get back."

Zhu Biao came cheerfully, with brisk steps, "Dad, Mom, my uncle said that he and my uncle will go to propose marriage to me the day after tomorrow."

"Your brothers are all going back to their hometown. They will be gone for several months, but you are willing to let them go!" Zhu Yuanzhang was so angry, "What else can you think about now besides getting married?"

Zhu Biao immediately said, "I hope we can have a child next year, and my parents will be happy then."

Zhu Yuanzhang's expression changed instantly. "This is a big deal, a big deal. Do you remember all the methods your uncle used?"

"I have it." Ma Xiuying also began to look forward to it. "Once Wan'er enters the palace, I will start recuperating."

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Zhu Biao and asked, "Your uncle plans to let the second son lead the troops. What do you think?"

Zhu Biao looked at Ma Xiuying cautiously before saying, "Uncle has always been steady in his work. He must want to train the second son. But uncle doesn't lead many troops, how about adding a few more officers?"

Zhu Yuanzhang couldn't help laughing at this moment, a team of more than 10,000 people.

If it was just a simple march, Zhu Yuanzhang felt that Ma Xun should be able to do it.

But if he is just asked to supervise and guide Zhu Chong and others, that would be a bit difficult to say. After all, Ma Xun himself is just at the level of barely making no mistakes.

"Then go and pick a few people. Don't pick those who are arrogant." Ma Xiuying was a little annoyed. "This Ma Xun is not making any progress. He always wants to fight but he just can't get the hang of it."

Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao didn't have much to say, as leading troops in battle really depends on talent.

Ma Xun was considered to be a relatively diligent learner, and he had a large number of generals with outstanding military achievements to guide him, and he had occasional opportunities to practice.

But until now, it is still just a show. It is fine for marching, training, or reviewing, but don't expect it to be used with real weapons.

The dull Ma Xun has no sense of urgency. He is not omniscient and there is nothing to say if he is not good at some areas.

"Shuning, I see that the process of Biao'er's wedding has been simplified a lot." Ma Xun took the sent documents and looked at them carefully, "The wedding of the crown prince of the Ming Dynasty only requires three ceremonies now?"

Liu Shuning said, "Your Majesty intends to reduce some of the cumbersome rituals, and he must be using the Crown Prince's wedding as an example."

Ma Xun thought about it and it made sense. "That's true. Brother-in-law has always disliked complicated etiquette. Go to Wan'er's place tomorrow. There are some things you and sister-in-law should talk to her about."

Liu Shuning nodded slightly. Although she was almost the same age as Chang Wan, they were of different generations.

In fact, it was better when facing Chang Wan. When facing Chang Mao and others, Liu Shuning now subconsciously behaves like an elder.

It's not because she is the wife of a duke or is pregnant that she becomes arrogant. She is simply studying with Ma Xun and treats Chang Mao and others as her juniors, and ignorant juniors at that.

Ma Xun then asked curiously, "Hasn't there been any scholars from East Zhejiang trying to send us some articles these days?"

"Of course there are." Liu Shuning replied with a smile, "You are the chief examiner, so naturally there will be people who want to take shortcuts."

Who made Ma Xun the son-in-law of a person from eastern Zhejiang? And many people made a fuss about the fact that he was born in Zhejiang, trying to use this to get closer to him.

Ma Xun nodded and said, "Find some time to draw up a list, especially if the family has some official positions or backgrounds, write it down."

Liu Shuning immediately pulled out a list and said, "These people are smart. They think you are my father's disciples or we are from the same hometown. They have good ideas and are not afraid of ruining your reputation."

"It's true that even if you live in a remote mountain area, you still have distant relatives." Ma Xun also laughed, "I'm afraid that my father-in-law doesn't even know about these disciples. These so-called fellow villagers may not even know where our family is."

Liu Shuning naturally also took care of some of her neighbors, but the prerequisite for everything was that they had to be real neighbors.

After all, in this day and age, taking care of fellow countrymen is a natural thing to do.

But she knew better that not all fellow countrymen were worthy of care, and some so-called fellow countrymen needed to be vigilant and keep a distance.

Those who are only thinking about gaining personal advancement must not have anything to do with Prince Xu's Mansion.

(End of this chapter)