The First Uncle of the Ming Dynasty

Chapter 82 I said you are sick

External enemies were almost eliminated and the military threat was no longer significant, so the Ming Dynasty could naturally develop with peace of mind.

For Zhu Yuanzhang, this was a good time to vigorously rectify the administration of officials, consolidate power, and quickly implement his governance.

Many of the enemies in the open have been eliminated now, but some hidden enemies must also be rooted out. Even if some people joined him in conquering the world, they are still enemies when it comes to governing the world.

Different political views and threats to imperial power were all reasons why Zhu Yuanzhang could regard someone as an enemy.

Liu Shuning returned to the courtyard and said to Ma Xun, "Husband, should we go back to our hometown later?"

Ma Xun said, "It's the anniversary of Dad's death. You should go back with me. You are the bride after all. You should go back with me to pay respects. I won't go back. I will go to Beiping."

Liu Shuning was very surprised. "Beiping? Didn't they say the war was over? Why are we going to Beiping?"

It is definitely not to appreciate the former capital of the Yuan Dynasty, nor to visit the future capital. Today's Peking is a military stronghold.

Ma Xun explained, "The Northern Expedition ended, and the temple for meritorious officials in Beiping was completed. I followed my brother-in-law there."

Liu Shuning felt something was wrong for a moment. The emperor went to Peking, the empress returned to her hometown, and left the prince in the capital to supervise the country.

Moreover, Li Shanchang has already retired and returned to his hometown. If the crown prince is allowed to govern the country at this time, some chaos may arise.

As for why Ma Xun wanted to go to Peking with them, that was also a bit strange.

Because under normal circumstances, either he would go to Beiping on behalf of the emperor, or the emperor would go there in person, and Ma Xun, the emperor's uncle, should stay in the capital.

Although Liu Shuning didn't understand this arrangement, she didn't say much. She didn't understand such important court affairs, so she shouldn't say anything nonsense.

I guess many people can see some of the emperor's intentions.

However, Yang Xian, Hu Weiyong and others who were blinded by the strife might not be able to wake up in time, and now they are in power.

Ma Xun, who attended the court again, promptly reported, "Your Majesty, the army has made great contributions in the Northern Expedition, and the compensation for the dead soldiers should be paid in a timely manner."

Zhu Yuanzhang immediately replied, "The Grand Military Governor's Office must promptly review military merits, rewards, and pensions, and all government offices must not delay this matter. If anyone is not conscientious, they will not be forgiven!"

Ma Xun said again, "Your Majesty, I believe that the soldiers who died in the service of the king should be honored by the gods. The Northern Expedition was difficult, and Your Majesty should go to Beiping in person to pay tribute to the dead soldiers."

As soon as Ma Xun finished speaking, many civil and military officials were stunned and immediately started arguing.

Some people will naturally support it, while others will oppose it. This is asking Your Majesty to travel thousands of miles from the capital to Peking, which is too far!
Ma Xunke couldn't take care of so many things. He just had to bring things up and then wait for the results to appear.

After leaving the court, Liu Bowen approached Ma Xun with a worried look on his face, "Why did you suggest that His Majesty go to Beiping? Is this what His Majesty wants?"

"Father, I am such a steady person, I will definitely not speak easily." Ma Xun did not hide it, because it was useless to hide it, "This is what His Majesty meant. He wants to go to Beiping to pay tribute to the dead soldiers."

Liu Bowen became even more anxious. "Now that the Central Secretariat is fighting so fiercely, how can Your Majesty leave the court?"

"Now that there are no external enemies, Your Majesty can focus on domestic affairs." Ma Xun looked at Liu Bowen and said, "Father-in-law, I see that you don't look well. Do you want me to take your pulse?"

Liu Bowen was stunned for a moment, then he quickly understood what Ma Xun meant, "Leaving now?"

Ma Xun said with a peaceful smile, "It's good to be unemployed. Rest and recuperate for a few years. Maybe His Majesty will reinstate you someday. If my father-in-law is worried about rewarding meritorious service, I don't think you need to worry. The meritorious officials will be honored at the end of the year."

Liu Bowen also took this matter seriously. "This is a big deal. Everyone is watching this. Many people have made contributions and want titles. If someone asks for a favor, you can't help speak up."

Liu Bowen was naturally no exception. The most essential difference between a title and an official position is that it can be passed on to future generations.

Ma Xun naturally understood this truth. As a matter as important as the title, many people were indeed watching it.

The saying goes that men don't shed tears easily, but this is only true until the time comes for them to be awarded titles. This principle is applicable at all times.

Some people think that their positions are high, while others think that they deserve a higher position based on their merits. There are a lot of arguments here.

Ma Xun knew that his position as Duke was secure and he didn't need to worry, while Liu Bowen felt that he had a chance to rush towards the position of Marquis. If the Earl could accept it, the Viscount would be a little unbalanced.

In the past two years, many people have been looking forward to rewarding meritorious officials, and some news has been basically confirmed.

The Ming Dynasty was planning to restore the ancient system of nobility, with five ranks, namely Duke, Marquis, Earl, Viscount, and Baron.

It was also stipulated that no title could be bestowed without military merit to the country, and no title could be granted without special permission.

There are two types of titles: hereditary and non-hereditary.

For example, the title of Enqin Hou that Li Zhen holds now is a non-hereditary title. It means that he is given an imperial edict but not a hereditary certificate.

After briefly discussing the issue of conferring titles on meritorious officials, the focus of attention was on other matters. Liu Bowen lowered his voice and asked in a low voice, "It's OK for me to retire at my age. I'm three years older than Prime Minister Li. But if I say I'm sick, will Your Majesty believe me?"

Ma Xun immediately said, "I said you are sick, so aren't you sick?"

Liu Bowen didn't know what to say for a moment. Whether Ma Xun's medical skills were good or not was a matter of controversy.

No one would believe that he was not a good doctor, otherwise how could he have saved the queen, the prince, and Chang Yuchun?
Now he is busy training medical officers, etc., because he has medical skills.

Although he was a good doctor, few people had seen him prescribe medicine, and he never treated other people. The only time he treated an outsider was once, and Li Shanchang retired after being treated by him.

Liu Bowen was still worried, "Your Majesty might not allow me to retire."

"That's not the case. If I really get old or sick, I will retire and return home." Ma Xun said, "If it really doesn't work, I will go to your Majesty to plead for mercy. I have never pleaded with your Majesty before."

Liu Bowen was touched for a moment. Ma Xun was a good son-in-law. But sometimes, favors should not be used lightly.

Just like Ma Xun, the emperor's uncle, always knew his limits and never caused any trouble for the emperor and empress, so the emperor and empress both liked him very much.

Ma Xun had the confidence to say this, not only because he felt that he still had some face, but also because in history Liu Bowen was not stopped from retiring and returning to his hometown, so he should be allowed to go back.

Liu Bowen then said with some worry, "Other matters are easy to handle. I'd better submit a petition to retire. I'm not sick at all, but Your Majesty, I'm not only not believing you, but I'm also a burden to you."

Ma Xun immediately said, "Father-in-law, don't worry. I'm not good at treating acute illnesses, but I'm good at treating chronic diseases. Even if you're not sick, I can tell what's wrong with you, and His Majesty won't think too much about it."

Liu Bowen looked at Ma Xun carefully and once again began to doubt Ma Xun's medical skills.

It’s not that I doubt whether Ma Xun knows medical skills, but I’m worried about what kind of medical skills this kid has learned, which are completely different from those of ordinary doctors.

No wonder all those who were in trouble at that time became monks, while others who studied medicine only learned medical skills that could produce "immediate results" and "cure diseases with one medicine".

But Ma Xun was different. He learned some medical skills whose effects were difficult to see immediately.

Liu Bowen thought about it carefully and said, "There is no rush for this matter. There is no rush to discuss it now. Wait until His Majesty returns from Peking, and then submit the petition."

Liu Bowen felt uneasy about retiring at this time, otherwise all the people in eastern Zhejiang would be wiped out.

Another reason was that the timing was sensitive. If Liu Bowen retreated at this time in unison with Ma Xun, it would be easy for the emperor to suspect him. After all, Liu Bowen knew that the emperor had a grudge against him, so it would be better for him to do less at this time.

Ma Xun smiled and asked, "Father-in-law, have you decided whether to return home or stay in the capital?"

"Of course I want to return home, sort out my manuscripts and books, and write a biography." Liu Bowen began to imagine his retirement. I don't like the current style of writing. "

Liu Bowen was a man of outstanding talent and a literary figure. He liked the literary tradition of the Han and Tang dynasties and did not like the delicate style of writing since the Yuan Dynasty.

He also believed that emphasizing the educational function of works could not only change the customs and habits of the lower classes, but also provide satire and admonition to the superiors.

Cultural education is an extremely important front, and Ma Xun is well aware of this.

Seeing Ma Xun nodding, Liu Bowen said earnestly, "You don't need to worry about me. You should think about your own affairs. You are already 21 years old, and I am also 60 years old. I still want to hug my grandson."

Ma Xun felt the pressure again. There were some things he couldn't control. Whether it was the early preparations or calculating the time, he was trying hard, but there was no result to be seen for the time being!
Liu Bowen continued, "Shuning married into the Ma family, so naturally she should continue the bloodline of the Ma family. The Queen is also urging us to be more attentive."

A young eunuch suddenly appeared and solved Ma Xun's dilemma.

Seeing Ma Xun, Zhu Yuanzhang jokingly asked, "What are you whispering to your father-in-law about again?"

"You're still worried about going to Beiping," Ma Xun said. "You're already urging me and Shuning after just a few words. I've put a lot of effort into this matter, so can you blame me?"

Zhu Yuanzhang immediately said, "This is a big deal. If your father-in-law doesn't tell you, your sister and I will have to urge you. Is your method of calculating the date really effective?"

"I think it should be effective. If it is calculated correctly, it should be the right time." Ma Xun thought carefully and said, "Brother-in-law, I have to go with you to Peking this time, right?"

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Ma Xun with some surprise, "You want to go?"

Ma Xun immediately said, "I want to go, so as not to be plotted against in the capital. I was in a hurry to travel during the last Northern Expedition, and I want to walk around and take a look."

Zhu Yuanzhang joked, "You really can't stay still. You always want to run around. If Shu Ning is pregnant, you can go with her. If she's not pregnant, you have to stay in Beijing, otherwise your sister will blame me."

This is also the truth. Continuing the bloodline of the Ma family is the top priority.

So if Ma Xun wanted to follow Zhu Yuanzhang to Beiping, there were some prerequisites.

(End of this chapter)