Ming Dynasty: Pick up attributes from the battlefield to create the Ming Dynasty

Chapter 278 Zhu Ying: What? You're betrothing me to him?

In Zhu Ying's view.

This is the case.

After all, it wouldn't be such a coincidence that Xu Miaojin and Mu Ya's family backgrounds were so extraordinary. If it were really decided that he would be completely entangled with these two women, then the Marquis of Champion's Mansion and the two old powerful families of the Ming Dynasty would be intertwined in the future.

Zhu Yuanzhang has now bestowed upon Zhu Ying a reputation and honor that no other military general in the Ming Dynasty has ever received.

His feat of sealing the wolf's lair and residing in the Xuxu Mountains spread throughout the world.

If he were allowed to form a faction, he might very well become Zhao Kuangyin, who would have been crowned emperor.

Therefore, Zhu Yuanzhang would never allow Zhu Ying to continue to grow powerful.

"Alright."

"Now we still need to rely on the Ming Dynasty to develop our power and acquire gold and silver. Let's be cowardly for a few years first," Zhu Ying thought to himself.

Although these two women are beautiful.

But there are countless beautiful women in the world, and Zhu Ying was not that greedy in this regard.

"I wonder which family will be able to receive the Emperor's betrothal and marry the daughters of the Xu and Mu families."

"Whoever gets the opportunity is truly honored."

"The Xu family's daughter is quite remarkable. Although young, she is a renowned talented woman in the capital. The Xu family is deeply favored by the Emperor. Their eldest daughter married the Prince of Yan, and now this young lady will likely be betrothed to a prince of the royal family as well."

"Very likely."

"As for the Mu family, the Marquis of Xiping is the current emperor's adopted son, and they have a deep bond. Whoever marries her will also be extremely honored."

"I wonder if my son will have the chance to be betrothed by the Emperor."

……

now.

The ministers in the court couldn't help but think to themselves, of course, there were also quite a few children of similar age to the two women.

There were even those who had proposed marriage to the Xu family.

These people naturally hoped to be betrothed by Zhu Yuanzhang, as this would definitely benefit their families.

Seeing the piercing gazes of the court officials, Zhu Biao smiled slightly and looked directly at Zhu Ying, who stood calmly among the military officials.

"Champion Marquis."

Zhu Biao smiled and said loudly.

"The minister is here."

Zhu Ying looked at Zhu Biao with some confusion. Did he have to ask him about this kind of thing?
"Xu Miaojin, daughter of the Xu family."

"Mu Ya, a daughter of the Mu family."

"They are all fond of the champion Hou."

"I have already discussed and decided with my father that these two daughters will be betrothed to the Marquis of Champion. After the Korean princess returns to the capital, they will both marry you," Zhu Biao announced loudly with a smile.

As soon as these words fell.

The entire court was astonished.

Everyone looked at Zhu Biao and then at Zhu Yuanzhang, who was in a high position, with expressions of shock.

Many ministers even turned their gazes directly to Zhu Ying.

Everyone except Xu Huizu was completely astonished by this sudden arranged marriage; they had never expected it.

"Does His Majesty already know Xiong Ying's identity?"

Lan Yu and Chang Mao exchanged a glance and instantly understood what was going on.

After all, they were well aware of the supremacy of imperial power, and given the emperor's personality, he would never marry these two women to foreign officials. This shows that the emperor, like them, knew Zhu Ying's true identity.

"really."

"What she said was indeed true; this Zhu Ying is indeed Zhu Xiong Ying."

Among the civil officials, Lü Ben's hands clenched tightly inside his sleeves, his heart trembling.

One thing can be confirmed now: the message his daughter sent him last night is true.

Zhu Ying was Zhu Xiong Ying, the eldest grandson of the emperor.

of course!

At this moment, Zhu Ying, who was the person in question, was also completely astonished.

"A betrothal to me?"

"How could this happen?"

"The historical Zhu Yuanzhang would never have done that. He was adept at seizing power and didn't trust any of his ministers. How could he possibly have bestowed these two women upon me in marriage?"

There's no reason for this.

Zhu Ying was extremely surprised and puzzled.

There's absolutely no reason for that.

Zhu Ying looked on in astonishment.

Zhu Yuanzhang smiled, as if he had figured out what Zhu Ying was thinking.

but.

He still kept his gaze on Zhu Ying and said with a smile, "Zhu Qing, are you satisfied with these two marriages?"

"As far as we know."

"These two girls have been staying at your residence for the past two months, and now the news has spread throughout Yingtian City. You must take full responsibility for this."

Obviously.

Since Zhu Yuanzhang had issued an imperial decree to grant the marriage, he would certainly not give Zhu Ying a chance to refuse.

"Since it was a marriage bestowed by the Emperor."

"Your subject will accept it."

"Your Majesty, I thank you. Your Highness, I thank the Crown Prince."

Having said all that, it would be a miracle if Zhu Yingneng refused.

They've practically delivered this to his doorstep; if Zhu Ying still refuses, he'd be out of his mind.

after all.

His original intention was to develop his power in the Ming Dynasty in a lowly manner, and he did not want to quarrel with the imperial power, so he was very restrained towards the two women. But now that Zhu Yuanzhang has agreed, what does Zhu Ying still care about?
Anyway, he won't lose out.

As for what schemes Zhu Yuanzhang might have behind the scenes, Zhu Ying really wasn't afraid of anything.

His three thousand personal guards were enough to wreak havoc throughout the entire city of Yingtian.

"Hahaha."

Seeing that Zhu Ying readily agreed, Zhu Yuanzhang burst into laughter.

"That's it."

"Then these two marriages are settled."

"Duke of Wei, you have no objections, do you?" Zhu Yuanzhang then looked at Xu Huizu.

Xu Huizu immediately stepped forward, bowed deeply, and said, "The Marquis of Champion is a hero of our great Ming Dynasty, a hero who sealed the wolf's lair. It is my sister's honor to marry the Marquis of Champion."

"That's good." Zhu Yuanzhang nodded with a smile.

As for Muya.

Now that Mu Ying has returned to Yunnan, Zhu Yuanzhang, as Mu Ya's grandfather, naturally has full authority to make decisions, and Mu Ying already knew about it beforehand.

"Prince."

"Where are the envoys who went to Korea to welcome the bride now?" Zhu Yuanzhang asked.

"Go back to Father."

"We should have reached Shandong Prefecture by now. After passing through Yangzhou Prefecture, we will be able to return to Yingtian."

"I reckon there'll be about half a month left," Zhu Biao replied immediately.

"it is good."

"Send an urgent message to summon Ying'er back. He can't miss Ya'er's wedding banquet," Zhu Yuanzhang said with a smile.

"Your subject understands." Zhu Biao nodded immediately.

"Zhu Qing."

"The Xu family daughter and the Mu family daughter are of extraordinary status. We will personally arrange their marriage. They cannot be concubines."

"We have already decided that, below the principal wife, we will establish a secondary wife. After these two girls marry you, they will still be addressed as wives, second only to the principal wife," Zhu Yuanzhang specifically instructed Zhu Ying.

After all, Xu Miaojin and Mu Ya had waited for their grandson for so many years, so Zhu Yuanzhang naturally had to make a decision for them.

Moreover, both women are of extraordinary status, and cannot be vaguely referred to as concubines. Since a marriage has been arranged, it must be extraordinary.

"The idea of ​​a second wife actually started with me?"

Zhu Ying was slightly surprised when he heard that Zhu Yuanzhang had established the position of equal wife.

To know.

The concept of a "second wife" is completely foreign in modern times. This idea originated in the Qing Dynasty and was a common saying among the people, but it was never included in official laws.

"Your subject understands."

However, Zhu Ying did not think much of it and immediately agreed.

"kindness."

After giving his instructions, Zhu Yuanzhang nodded in satisfaction.

Then he turned his attention to Lü Ben.

Seeing that Lü Ben's expression had become even more unpleasant, Zhu Yuanzhang naturally understood what the old man was thinking. He was definitely having a hard time calming down.

Given Zhu Biao's deliberate actions last night, coupled with today's bestowed marriage, it would be a lie if Lü Ben, with his cunning, couldn't guess it was a lie.

“Lu Qing.”

Zhu Yuanzhang spoke.

"The minister is here."

Suppressing the complex emotions in his heart, Lü Ben stepped forward and bowed.

"The Marquis of Champion, a great contributor to our Ming Dynasty, a great hero of the Ming Dynasty."

“When he married his first wife, it wasn’t a big wedding, and we regretted not being able to attend. But this time, since we have the opportunity, it’s naturally different.”

"He is going to marry the daughter of a duke and our granddaughter."

"We can't treat them poorly."

"According to our decree, the Ministry of Rites shall prepare this wedding according to the standards for a prince's marriage and the standards for a prince's bride."

"Preparations will be made within the Marquis of Champion's residence."

"All expenses will be covered by the national treasury," Zhu Yuanzhang decreed, making it a direct decision rather than a matter of discussion.

once.

Zhu Yuanzhang's greatest wish was to see his grandson get married and truly grow up.

But this wish was not fulfilled.

Although he found his grandson, Zhu Yuanzhang didn't even know about Zhu Yingcheng's wedding, let alone have the opportunity to attend.

Now that such a good opportunity is available, how could Zhu Yuanzhang possibly miss it?

So this is a good opportunity to witness it firsthand.

"Your Majesty, take the order."

Lü Ben replied loudly.

His heart grew even colder, which further confirmed Zhu Ying's identity.

"Alright. This matter is settled then." Zhu Yuanzhang nodded and said no more.

"May I ask, Your Majesty?"

"Would the Korean princess also be married in this manner?" Lu Ben asked tentatively.

"How can a barbarian princess from a foreign land compare to the daughter of our Duke, our granddaughter?"

Zhu Yuanzhang gave him a disdainful glance, his meaning already quite clear.

"Your subject understands." Lü Ben dared not ask any further questions and immediately withdrew.

A Korean princess.

Even if she married into the Marquis of Champion's mansion, her status would naturally be that of a concubine, incomparable to that of the Xu family's daughters and the Mu family's daughters.

Followed.

The court discussion continued.

However, the minds of the officials were naturally not at peace.

This continued for an hour.

The meeting dispersed.

"Congratulations, Marquis of Champion."

"To be personally granted a marriage by the Emperor is an honor indeed."

"Haha."

"This is not just an honor. The daughters of the Xu and Mu families are noble families of our Great Ming Dynasty. To marry two of them at once is enough to show how much the Emperor values ​​the Marquis of Champion."

"When we get married, you must drink a cup of wine at the Champion Marquis's wedding."

"good……"

As soon as the court session ended, many officials who knew Zhu Ying, as well as those who were not familiar with him, came to offer their congratulations.

Obviously.

Now that Zhu Ying is about to marry the daughters of two powerful families, he will gain even greater power and a more secure position in the future.

Zhu Ying remained calm in the face of this insincere enthusiasm, returning the greeting with a clasped fist.

However, Zhu Ying could only feel helpless as he was surrounded by people.

"The Emperor has decreed that the Marquis of Champion be invited to the Wenyuan Pavilion for a discussion."

Yun Qi's voice came from the side, which finally saved Zhu Ying from the predicament.

And in the shadows.

Lu Ben watched Zhu Ying's departing figure with cold eyes, pondering in his heart: "I must strike first. Even if it means death, I must make a scene."

Inside Wenyuan Pavilion!

Still the same.

Zhu Yuanzhang sat on the main dragon throne, while Zhu Biao stood to the side.

Zhu Ying walked in, led by Yun Qi.

"Your subject pays respects to Your Majesty and Your Highness the Crown Prince." Zhu Ying bowed deeply.

"No need for formalities," Zhu Yuanzhang smiled and raised his hand.

"I wonder what important matter Your Majesty has summoned me for?" Zhu Ying raised his head and asked Zhu Yuanzhang.

"Besides the matter of you marrying those two girls, there's another good thing."

"I originally planned to tell you this at your wedding, but I can tell you in advance now." Zhu Yuanzhang smiled, holding an imperial edict in his hand.

"Is there more good news?"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Ying's eyes lit up, and he immediately asked, "Does this mean I am exempt from attending court?"

Upon hearing Zhu Ying say this...

Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao exchanged a glance, both feeling somewhat helpless.

"Why are you so reluctant to attend court, kid?" Zhu Yuanzhang put down the imperial edict and said helplessly.

"I am just a military officer, and I have nothing to do in the court."

"It's better to stay at home," Zhu Ying replied with a smile.

“That’s right. Now that the Northern Expedition is over and the Northern Yuan has been destroyed, there is no war for the time being, so you are indeed fine.”

"But that may not be the case in the future. You'll probably have to get involved in government affairs as well," Zhu Yuanzhang said with a half-smile.

"Why should a military official like myself concern myself with political affairs?" Zhu Ying was taken aback, somewhat puzzled.

Zhu Biao smiled: "You'll find out soon enough."

"Your Majesty, Prince."

"I was originally a military officer, and I have no desire to become a civil official."

"I do not possess the ability to be a civil official."

Thinking that the Ming Dynasty is indeed at peace now, at least for a few years, the north...

Zhu Ying was genuinely worried that his peaceful life would be disrupted. At least for now, he could stay in Yingtian and secretly develop the Black Guard to strengthen his own power.

Seeing that Zhu Ying was still a little nervous, Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao both smiled, but their gazes were incredibly gentle.

Perhaps Zhu Ying himself did not realize that Zhu Yuanzhang and his son treated him differently than outsiders, but those involved are often blinded by their own perspectives while bystanders see things more clearly.

Zhu Ying didn't realize it.

"You little rascal, you'd better behave yourself when you go to court from now on."

"Take the imperial edict and get out of here."

"Also, make Wenxi come to the palace every day. If we don't see him for a day, we won't like him anymore."

Zhu Yuanzhang was too lazy to waste words with Zhu Ying, so he picked up the imperial edict on the table and threw it at Zhu Ying.

Zhu Ying took it instinctively.

"Received an imperial edict and a common treasure chest as a reward," the panel message read.

Zhu Biao was much gentler: "Prepare well. Miao Jin and Ya'er are both good girls, and they are sincere towards you. Don't let them down."

"Wait until the wedding day."

"Your father and I will personally officiate your wedding."

Seeing Zhu Biao's concerned expression, Zhu Ying nodded solemnly: "Your Majesty, I thank you, Your Highness, and Your Highness the Crown Prince."

"Go."

"Before the wedding, you don't need to attend court. Just stay at home quietly," Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand.

Listen to this.

Zhu Ying's eyes lit up: "Your Majesty is wise."

After thanking them.

Fearing that Zhu Yuanzhang might change his mind, Zhu Ying quickly left the Wenyuan Pavilion.

Look at his back.

Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao both smiled, their smiles carrying an extraordinary kindness.

……

(End of this chapter)