The First Uncle of the Ming Dynasty

Chapter 92 Return to Beijing to file a complaint

The advantage of a horse-drawn emperor is that he can lead troops to fight. If Zhu Yuanzhang had not inspected the defense in the north before, he might have returned to the capital long ago.

Zhu Biao stood at the front of the team with a calm face. Behind him were Hu Weiyong and Yang Xian. The two were also relatively calm, and seemed to have no feelings about the emperor's return to Beijing.

Suddenly, there was a sound of horse hooves and a group of cavalry appeared.

The cavalrymen dispersed and patrolled along the ranks of the officials. The leading knight, sitting on his horse, only bowed slightly to Zhu Biao as a gesture of respect, and ignored Yang Xian, Hu Weiyong and others.

Zhu Biao bowed with a smile. The man in full armor was Mu Ying, his third brother, whom he had not seen for more than a year.

Yang Xian and others didn't know what to say. They couldn't find any problem unless Mu Ying dismounted. He was wearing full armor. The most important thing was that His Majesty was about to come, and Mu Ying was here to take over the defense.

The sound of horse hooves was heard, and Zhu Yuanzhang, wearing a golden helmet and golden armor, appeared majestically, with a group of generals behind him.

Yang Xian and others suddenly felt tremendous pressure, not from the emperor, but from the generals.

Indifference, scrutiny, rebelliousness, and disdain.
These military generals made no secret of their attitude towards the civil officials. If Li Shanchang were still alive, these generals would have given him a little face.

However, Yang Xian and Hu Weiyong were obviously not worthy of the respect given by these military generals.

Zhu Yuanzhang dismounted from his horse amid the cheers of all the officials, and then said enthusiastically, "Tian De, Bo Ren, you two will ride with me in the carriage."

The treatment of being driven by the emperor is fine, but riding in the same car with the emperor is nothing. This is the emperor's grace to the generals who have made great contributions, and it is a great honor.

Both Xu Da and Chang Yuchun were familiar with this. They had experienced the treatment of being personally welcomed by the emperor when they returned to Beijing before.

"Deng Yu, you come and drive for us!" Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly remembered and said with a smile, "I still don't have enough sons. Those who can do things are still in their hometown."

The three brothers Zhu Chong, Zhu Gang and Zhu Di are still farming in their hometown. Zhu Su and Zhu Zhen are only about ten years old and cannot do anything.

Therefore, the honor of being a prince leading a horse cannot be mentioned now. The main reason is that the princes who can lead a horse are now carrying hoes in Fengyang. The princes in the capital can just ride horses themselves, so don't expect them to lead horses.

Zhu Biao stepped forward and said, "Father, this is also my negligence. It's time to call my brothers back."

Zhu Yuanzhang immediately said, "Okay, then you should issue an edict to summon them back and make them kings."

Zhu Biao smiled and nodded, then said, "Old Five, go get your uncle's horse."

This was considered special treatment. Those who returned with Zhu Yuanzhang were all generals, but only people like Xu Da and Chang Yuchun were qualified to ride in the same carriage with the emperor.

Ma Xun, a supporting role, was treated as the prince's horse-leader, which was a bit too much.

"Let the fifth son lead Bao'er's horse, and the sixth son lead his uncle's donkey." Zhu Yuanzhang pulled Xu Da and Chang Yuchun, and said with a smile, "You don't have to worry about us here, go and talk to the generals."

Deng Yu jumped into the car and drove away. Xu Da and Chang Yuchun were chatting and laughing with Zhu Yuanzhang.

The two brothers Zhu Su and Zhu Zhen ran to Ma Xun and said, "Uncle, our father asked us to lead the horse."

"Uncle, I am your nephew." Zhu Su was a little anxious. "I have a good relationship with Wangcai, so why should I let Laoliu lead the way?"

Zhu Zhen felt a little aggrieved, he dared not disobey his father's order. But his fifth brother's words also made sense, because he was the sixth child, not the legitimate son of his father and mother.

Ma Xun smiled and said, "Sixth brother, go and lead Wangcai. You should go along with him a little, he is a donkey that follows the will of nature. It will be tiring to walk such a long distance, you can ride the donkey after he has coaxed you into doing it. Fifth brother, go find your second brother."

Although Zhu Su had some complaints, he had no choice but to accept the arrangement. Zhu Zhen happily went to lead Wangcai.

Zhu Biao came over on horseback, "Uncle, have you been well these days?"

"I'm fine. I feel refreshed after running around outside." Ma Xun said in high spirits, "It was your Highness the Crown Prince who was wronged in the capital, but now that His Majesty is back, your Highness the Crown Prince doesn't have to feel wronged!"

Ma Xun didn't know how to lower his voice at all, he was saying this to some people.

Yang Xian's face suddenly changed. Who dares to let His Royal Highness the Crown Prince suffer any injustice?

I do not know how?
I am in charge of the Secretariat and share the worries of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. Government affairs are handled in an orderly manner under my hands, even better than when Li Shanchang was the Prime Minister. It is definitely not my problem!

It must be people like Hu Weiyong or Liu Bowen. These people are really powerful. They dare to let His Royal Highness the Crown Prince suffer grievances under my nose. This is unacceptable!
Zhu Biao smiled and said, "Uncle, you are too kind. I am the regent under the order of the emperor, but unfortunately I am young and incompetent, so I am cautious and dare not make the slightest mistake. There are wise ministers assisting me in the court, so there is nothing to worry about."

Ma Xun just smiled and thought it was enough to know the truth. He would know something in a couple of days.

Liu Bowen sighed deeply. He had a good relationship with Yang Xian, but recently, he felt that he didn't know Yang Xian anymore.

The son is Zhongshan Wolf, and he is mad when he is successful.

Although these are the words of Cao Xueqin, the principles also apply to the Ming Dynasty.

I tried to persuade him, but it was of no use.

Yang Xian now refused to listen to anyone, and his behavior was even more high-profile and flamboyant than that of Li Shanchang. Unfortunately, he did not realize that something was wrong. Yang Xian, blinded by power, thought that he was the emperor's most trusted minister, and that he had completely replaced Li Shanchang and became the new prime minister of the Ming Dynasty, and that he would have all the power in the court.

Since there is no point in persuading him, there is no need to continue persuading him, lest Yang Xian think that there is some other intention.

When the emperor returned to Beijing, the first thing he did was to ascend the Fengtian Hall to accept congratulations from all officials, briefly announce the success of the Northern Expedition, and then leave court.

Ma Xun looked for someone carefully and said, "Bao'er, come back with me."

Li Wenzhong walked over and said with a smile, "I want to see my father too."

"Where's Wenying?" Ma Xun looked around. "He's been away for a year. It's time for him to go over."

Li Wenzhong smiled and said, "Wenying went to say hello to her cousin from the Liu family."

Liu Jing's seniority has also increased. Although some people still call him by his own name, it is different for those who are close to him.

Whether it was Li Wenzhong or Mu Ying, they must have followed Ma Xun in calling people, so Liu Jing's seniority would naturally rise.

After more than a year of fighting, Liu Jing's abilities were initially recognized by Mu Ying and others.

Leaving court was like buying vegetables from the market, with all officials greeting each other in a chaotic manner, especially the military generals.

However, even if the civil officials are unhappy, they can only keep it to themselves. Don't be ungrateful and say anything more at this time, as that would only bring trouble to yourself.

After saying hello to Xu Da, Chang Yuchun and others, Ma Xun walked towards the courtyard with his two nephews.

Li Zhen's courtyard was still as lively as ever. Although Zhu Chong and others were at their hometown, Li Jinglong and Zhu Su were still there.

It was also because Mu Ying came back that he asked Mu Ying's wife Feng to bring Mu Chun along as well.

"The unfilial son has just returned, thank you father for your concern."

"My nephew bows to my uncle, may he be well and safe."

Looking at Li Wenzhong and Mu Ying, Li Zhen was very happy. "Everyone, get up. I am happy to hear that you have made contributions to the court. Go and wash up quickly. There will be delicious food in a while."

Whether it is Li Wenzhong or Mu Ying, even if they are in their thirties, they are still children in Li Zhen's eyes.

Li Wenzhong and Mu Ying, who had just stood up, immediately knelt down again, "Nephew Li Wenzhong (Mu Ying), greets aunt."

Liu Shuning said hurriedly, "Everyone, please stand up. There is no need for such a grand ceremony."

Ma Xun also spoke up, "Everyone, get up. From now on, unless it's a big day, you're not allowed to bow like this."

Li Zhen said with a smile, "Age is age, seniority is seniority. If they don't kowtow to you, then I've failed in my parenting."

There is nothing wrong with what Li Zhen said. Age and seniority are two different things. Moreover, Li Wenzhong and Mu Ying are not of such status that people can ignore their seniority.

Li Wenzhong stood up and said with a smile, "Uncle, this is the first time I meet my aunt. If I don't kowtow and show respect, not only my father, but the queen will scold me for being arrogant."

After taking a shower, Ma Xun changed his clothes and felt comfortable and relaxed. The next moment, he felt a little upset.

I have seen Mu Ying in casual clothes before, and he is indeed quite handsome and elegant. But when Li Wenzhong takes off his armor and puts on casual clothes, he looks like a scholar.

"Sister." Seeing Ma Xiuying who had come out of nowhere, Ma Xun complained directly, "What's wrong with Bao'er? How can a general leading an army look so bookish? Zhou Lang in the Three Kingdoms period was probably like this."

Zhu Yuanzhang immediately said proudly, "Follow my brother-in-law and sister, this is called being both civil and martial!"

The three generations of the Li family are all handsome men, not to mention Li Zhen, and Li Wenzhong. Little Li Jinglong looks chubby, but he is also a cute little handsome man, his appearance is really amazing.

Zhu Biao smiled and said, "In the early years, when my second brother was not married, many people were watching him. When he was wearing armor, he looked like a general, and when he changed into a scholar's clothing, he could charm many young ladies from scholarly families."

Zhu Yuanzhang suggested, "Next time, take a ride on the street and see if anyone throws fruit at you."

Zhu Biao laughed and said, "I have suggested to my second brother that he should also wear a visor. My second brother is a figure like Lanling King."

He is handsome, good at fighting, and well-read. This is really unfair!
Li Wenzhong felt a little embarrassed. Being handsome was also a burden to him.

Ma Xun saw that the atmosphere was good and immediately complained, "Sister, I still need to read more books to see how talented Baoer is. I don't know how many times my brother-in-law has said that we, the Ma family, claim to have inherited poetry and literature just because we read two books."

Zhu Yuanzhang, who was originally happy just by looking at the people in the room, suddenly changed color, "Ma Xun!"

Before he could say anything more, Zhu Yuanzhang hurriedly explained, "Sister, don't listen to his nonsense! I was advising him to read more, I didn't mention the Ma family!"

(End of this chapter)