The First Uncle of the Ming Dynasty

Chapter 58 Too much attention

Ma Xun didn’t know whether there would be any intrigue in the Secretariat. He only knew that the New Year’s Eve was approaching and he was called to the palace.

Ma Xiuying looked at Ma Xun and asked, "Going to see Shuning every day is what you want?"

"I think it's great. I was afraid before that I would find someone I couldn't even talk to." Ma Xun looked around and asked, "Where are the children?"

Ma Xiuying smiled and joked, "Everyone thought they were the same as you? Apart from coming to the palace during the winter solstice, what else have you done these days?"

During the winter solstice, the palace is visited to offer sacrifices to Lord Ma at the Xuwang Temple, which is a serious matter.

"I'm not idle either. I'm thinking about treating the wounded." Ma Xun became serious. "Sister, I'm not going to the war. I'm managing the Imperial College and studying medicine and science."

Ma Xiuying looked at Ma Xun and said, "Just don't put the cart before the horse. I heard that you are brewing wine every day now."

"That's not brewing wine, it's used to kill viruses and reduce inflammation." Ma Xun was a little anxious, the alcohol ban had not been lifted yet, "If you have an external injury in the future, you need to use anti-inflammatory drugs, so that there will be less inflammation and pus."

Ma Xiuying said without comment, "It's up to you. If you need a craftsman, go find one yourself. If you really need money, tell me. Your brother-in-law has given you so much land, you don't need me to subsidize you."

Ma Xun is indeed not short of money, and basically has more than he can spend.

Ma Xiuying suddenly asked, "Zhengdan is going to court, do you know about this?"

Zhengdan, which is the Spring Festival, is a grand court ceremony.

Ma Xun nodded, then became a little worried, "Sister, what nonsense is being spread outside now! Li Xiangguo wants to retire, what does that have to do with me!"

Ma Xiuying smiled and said, "You are the emperor's uncle, and you are also a medical expert, so what you said is certainly accurate. You don't have to think too much, your brother-in-law also wanted Mr. Li to take a break."

It's not just about taking a break, but also about undermining Li Shanchang's prestige.

Li Shanchang has been involved in all matters big and small since the founding of the country. As the left prime minister, he is truly second to none.

The civil officials were completely subdued by him, and as for the military generals, he had a group of old brothers in Huaixi who were close to him.

A maid came over holding a piece of clothing. It was a purple dress.

Ma Xiuying said with some amusement, "You, the governor, don't even have an official uniform now."

Ma Xun took the clothes and looked at them, feeling a little disappointed. But he thought about it and understood that it was the early days of the founding of the country and many systems were not perfect.

Officials from the first to fifth ranks wear purple uniforms, while those of the sixth and seventh ranks wear red. This is the current official uniform requirement of the Ming Dynasty.

According to the Five Virtues Theory, Xia favored black, Yin favored white, Zhou favored red, Qin favored black, Han favored red, and Tang favored yellow. The Ming dynasty followed the Zhou, Han, Tang, and Song dynasties, ruling the world with the virtue of fire, and the preferred color was red.

This matter has not been decided yet, that is to say, the basic color of the emperor's dragon robe has not been decided. If the emperor's crown and other clothes have not been decided, then the officials naturally cannot decide either.

As for the official patch of "beast in human clothing", he would have to wait a little longer. Although the Ming Dynasty had been established, it was still busy with major events, so there was no time to think about these rules.

However, it has now been basically decided that the official uniform is based on a black gauze hat, a round-collared shirt, and a belt.

Zhu Biao walked into the palace, and when he saw Ma Xun, he smiled and said, "Uncle is finally willing to enter the palace. I heard from Wan'er that Chang Mao is the happiest these days, and he doesn't need to be confined in the mansion."

Ma Xun immediately said, "That kid is unreliable. I don't go out every day. He actually dared to lie to Brother Chang. He just ran out to play on his own."

"Your uncle will go to court for the first time in a few days, please keep an eye on him." Ma Xiuying said with some worry, "Don't let him interact too much with those people in the court this year. Your uncle is simple-minded and can be easily deceived by them."

Zhu Biao said confidently, "Mother, my uncle is such a cautious person, who can deceive him? What's more, my uncle is now both civil and military, who in the court doesn't admire him?" It took nearly a year for Zhu Yuanzhang and Ma Xiuying to help Ma Xun, the emperor's uncle, quickly gain a foothold in the capital and even have a certain presence in the court.

Although his foundation was not solid, anyone with a discerning eye could see that this was a deliberate promotion by the emperor.

However, we have to admit that in today's officialdom, in addition to military honors and civil officials, the power of relatives by marriage has also suddenly emerged.

Li Wenzhong was naturally considered a relative by marriage, and the people of Huaixi all understood that he was placed in the army by the emperor. Before this, the only relative by marriage in the Ming Dynasty was Li Wenzhong.

But now a uncle of the emperor has emerged. Although he has been to war, it seems that His Majesty would rather let this uncle of the emperor check and balance the civil officials.

Ma Xun looked at Zhu Biao and said, "Biao'er, the younger brothers are still princes now, and they are old enough. Why don't you go and persuade your father to ask for the title of prince for your brothers?"

Zhu Biao immediately said angrily, "Uncle, how can I go to see my brothers when you say that?"

"That's not a problem. They are growing up." Ma Xun said patiently, "Biao'er, when ordinary people divide their property, they will fight over a pair of bowls and chopsticks. The second brother and the others understand it, but it's better for you to settle it first."

"Uncle, I have been appointed as the crown prince." Zhu Biao explained helplessly, "As soon as my father ascended the throne, I became the crown prince, and my brothers no longer have any other thoughts."

"What? What?" Zhu Yuanzhang strode over, "What is your brother thinking?"

Ma Xiuying complained with a smile, "I want Biaoer to persuade you to enthrone the kings. I guess he will have to rush his other nephews to take up their fiefdoms next."

Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes lit up immediately, and he patted Pa Ma Xun's shoulder happily, "You have really made progress. That old man Liu Bowen really taught you something."

"He and I don't talk about palace matters. At most, we talk about the Secretariat." Ma Xun quickly explained to avoid his father-in-law being misunderstood. "I know my limits, but he knows even more."

Zhu Yuanzhang laughed and said, "It's good that you two, the father-in-law and the son-in-law, get together and discuss how to save your lives. I am naturally happy that you can think of asking me to confer titles on the kings!"

Zhu Yuanzhang then looked at Ma Xun and said, "This matter cannot be raised by Biao'er, you have to raise it."

Ma Xun suddenly felt a headache, "Brother-in-law, it's not right for me to bring it up, right? Otherwise, we can ask someone from the Ministry of Rites or the Secretariat to bring it up, why do I have to bring it up?"

"You are the uncle of the crown prince, and also the uncle of the second brother and the others, so you have to make the proposal!" Zhu Yuanzhang immediately made a decision, "Sister, how about letting me take the lead in making the petition during the grand court ceremony?"

Ma Xiuying smiled and nodded, saying, "Okay, I'll take the lead in making the petition."

Zhu Biao said with a sad face, "That's too hasty. Uncle is taking the lead in requesting the kingship of the kings. Then I have to be busy persuading my father while taking my brothers to express their gratitude?"

This is Zhu Biao. The position of crown prince belongs to him, and no one can think too much about it.

As for his younger brothers, they all had the upper hand. This was certainly because Zhu Yuanzhang and Ma Xiuying had deliberately maintained Zhu Biao's status and special status over the years, but it was also because he really had the ability to control his younger brothers.

Ma Xun suddenly had a headache. "Brother-in-law, sister, I took the lead in requesting the kings to be conferred titles on the first day of the first lunar month, and I will get married after the Lantern Festival. It is estimated that after the first month of the first lunar month, Prime Minister Li will retire and return to his hometown. Am I too much of a show?"

"I'm only twenty-one after the Chinese New Year, and I should be full of energy and vigor." Zhu Yuanzhang said with a smile, "You really helped me with the matter of Prime Minister Li."

There is no doubt about Li Shanchang's ability, but Zhu Yuanzhang is now a little worried and has to gently remove the prime minister's power.

As for Ma Xun, whether he is active or passive, his influence on the court is now increasing.

If we continue to visit, we must go to Li Zhen's yard. He is old and doesn't like to walk around in winter, so other people have to go there.

(End of this chapter)