The First Uncle of the Ming Dynasty

Chapter 26 Adopted Sons Group

It is almost a consensus in the capital that it is difficult to enter the Prince's Mansion.

Since Ma Xun, the uncle of the emperor, came to the capital, people with various purposes have been looking for a way to advance. Unfortunately, until now, except for some close people, no one can enter the uncle's mansion.

Not to mention some down-and-out scholars, even the family members of some generals in the army, or some middle and high-level civil servants, let alone having a cup of tea in the Prince's Mansion, they were not allowed to even enter the mansion.

However, when the news came that the King's uncle was about to go to war, many people wanted to take advantage of the situation.

He Da and others were guarding the place like door gods, hardly letting anyone in.

Chang Mao ran over like a gust of wind. The eldest son of the Duke of E rushed into the Duke's Mansion amid many people's envious gazes, and those ferocious guards did not try to stop him at all.

The next moment Li Zhen came with Li Jinglong. He Da and others hurriedly went to meet them and helped to lead the horses.

Zhu Chong and others jumped off their horses and asked, "What are these people doing here?"

He Da said, "The king's uncle is going to go to war, and these people all want to join the army."

"My uncle doesn't even take me with him, and they still want to get close to him?" Zhu Gang said unhappily, "If my uncle took me with him, we would definitely be able to chase him to the grassland and capture Emperor Yuan alive!"

Zhu Chong was also unhappy. "In terms of seniority, I am the second elder brother, and in terms of ability, you cannot compare with me. Uncle should take me with him, and let the nephew be the vanguard, so that we can win the battle!"

Zhu Di remained silent. His second and third brothers didn't get the chance to go to war, let alone him, the fourth brother.

Several people swaggered into the Prince's Mansion, and those outside the mansion became even more restless. If they were appreciated by the Prince's Uncle, they would have a chance to rise to prominence!
Chang Mao handed the letter to Ma Xun, his face full of flattery, "My mother said that if my uncle meets my father, he should bring a letter. Uncle, take me to the war? You know my riding skills, and I am also good with a knife!"

"You don't need to go to war, your mediocre skills are not enough." Ma Xun said directly, "Wait until you grow up, then you will have the opportunity to fight in the future."

Chang Mao became even more anxious. "The Tartars are almost wiped out. How can I have the chance to fight again when I grow up?"

The Ming Dynasty was extremely confident. Over the years, it had defeated powerful enemies one after another, and its army was invincible. The Yuan Tartars were driven out of the Central Plains and became grasshoppers after autumn.

Ma Xun said, "There is still a chance. The Yuan Tartars are still remnants, and there will be a war in the future. Practice your skills well, and you will be able to fight."

Chang Mao, who was outspoken, said, "My uncle's ability is not as good as mine!"

The truth is as sharp as a knife, and Ma Xun was speechless.

Li Jinglong spoke in a baby voice. He was chubby and adorable. "Uncle."

Li Zhen walked into the house with a smile and said, "I wrote a letter home. I will give it to Baoer when I meet him."

Ma Xun immediately took the letter and said, "Brother-in-law, I don't know how to meet Mu Ying and the others now."

"What's there to say about my own nephew? No need to be polite." Li Zhen said with a smile, "Bao'er has always been grateful for the kindness of his uncle and aunt, so you don't need to worry."

Zhu Chong and others also ran over. They knew it was impossible for them to go to the war, but they still held on to some luck. They would definitely not get what they wanted if they asked their father and mother for help, but if their uncle asked for mercy, there might be a chance.

He Da suddenly came running over happily, "My Lord, the Madam is here."

Ma Xun was stunned. "Madam? What Madam?"

He Da stared, "The wife of the emperor's uncle? Does the emperor's uncle have other wives?"

Ma Xun warned, "Don't just invite people randomly. The engagement hasn't been made yet. It would be bad if outsiders heard this."

He Da said with reason, "We are all family, that's why I say this!"

Before Ma Xun could leave, Chang Lan came over with Liu Shuning.

Seeing the main hall full of people, especially the children looking at her curiously, Liu Shuning blushed even more.

Liu Shuning blushed and said, "Yesterday I went to the Puji Zen Master Temple to pray for blessings, hoping that the prince's uncle would be safe."

Puji Zen Master Temple, also known as Jiming Temple, was first built in the Western Jin Dynasty. Since ancient times, it has been known as "the first temple in the Southern Dynasties" and "the first of the 480 temples in the Southern Dynasties".

But it is still called Puji Zen Master Temple. After Zhu Yuanzhang founded the country, he cleaned up Buddhism and most of the temples in the capital moved to quiet places outside the city. Only the Puji Zen Master Temple on Jiming Mountain still stands in the city. Ma Xun took the sachet with a smile. It should be filled with peace and blessings. "I will keep it close to my body. It will definitely keep me safe."

Chang Lan smiled and said, "I also said that the prince's expedition will definitely be successful and there will be no danger. But Shu Ning has good intentions, so it's hard to stop her."

Li Zhen smiled and said, "That's the truth. Born in a military family and blessed by the emperor, the head of the family should serve His Majesty. You are also a caring person. The emperor's uncle will surely be safe and sound."

"Aunt!" Zhu Chong said immediately, "Why don't you give it to my uncle?"

Before Zhu Chong finished speaking, Ma Xun covered the boy's mouth and said, "You deserve to be punished, don't you?"

Liu Shuning's face turned even redder, and she bowed slightly before leaving. It was already an extraordinary thing to ask Chang Lan to bring her to the Duke's Mansion, and it would be bad if she stayed any longer.

Li Zhen was very happy and praised her, saying, "This girl is thoughtful. We must treat her well when we get married."

"Brother-in-law is right." Ma Xun said with a smile, "I'm sure I'll feel bad for my own daughter-in-law."

Zhu Chong and others looked at Ma Xun. Their uncle was indeed as their father had said, knowing etiquette, but not much.

He hasn't even set out yet, but there are already many people who have come to see him off. This is also quite normal. He will set out early tomorrow morning, and there is no such thing as going on stage to greet the generals. When the time comes, the army will set out.

Even if Ma Xun has to go to the military camp tonight, he will have to pack up and go to the camp soon.

All the things that needed to be packed had been packed. Ma Xun set off in a majestic manner, riding a horse and leading a donkey, under the protection of He Da and others.

Arriving at the military camp, Ma Xun immediately found Mu Ying and said, "We have two guards now, which should be enough. But I am incompetent, so how can I lead so many people?"

Mu Ying also knew the situation and said, "Don't worry, uncle. Your nephew will definitely do his best to assist you. Guo Decheng, the commander of the Yulin Zuowei, is a former guard of your majesty, as you know."

Ma Xun nodded. Although Guo Decheng was fond of drinking, he also had real skills.

Mu Ying continued, "There is also He Wenhui who will assist you. He is also your Majesty's adopted son."

Ma Xun's eyes lit up, and he immediately asked, "Are you leading the Flying Bear Guard?"

Mu Yingyao said, "I will help my uncle. The commander of Feixiong Guard is Sima Xu, and Ping An will help him. These two are also the adopted sons of His Majesty, and they are both trustworthy people."

Zhu Yuanzhang and Ma Xiuying adopted twenty or thirty sons in those days. Some were orphans like Mu Ying and Xu Sima, and some were orphans of officers under their command like He Wenhui. They were adopted as sons for various reasons.

Among these adopted sons, many were outstanding, and Zhu Wenxun, Zhu Wengang and others also died in battle for the establishment of the Ming Dynasty.

Ma Xun felt relieved when he heard this. This time he led two guards to fight, with Zhu Yuanzhang's four adopted sons and a trusted guard. With such a luxurious lineup, Ma Xun didn't need to do anything, just obey.

Ma Xun immediately said, "Then let them all come over later."

Mu Ying smiled and said, "Of course, they should come over, whether for public or private reasons."

Although they are all adopted sons of the emperor and empress, there is still a difference in their treatment. There are fewer people like Mu Ying who treat them as their own sons.

He Wenhui, Xu Sima, and Ping An walked with their heads held high. The three young generals knelt down together and said, "Nephew greets uncle."

All of his nephews were older, so Ma Xun was not embarrassed. "Everyone, get up. Why didn't you come to my place before?"

He Wenhui immediately replied, "Uncle, we are all in the army and cannot leave the camp. Please forgive us."

Ma Xun told the truth, "I don't know much about military affairs, so I'll listen to Mu Ying's advice on all matters. You guys should each control your subordinates, understand?"

He Wenhui and others followed orders one after another. They all knew about Ma Xun's situation. They had no objection to Mu Ying being the de facto commander-in-chief because they knew Mu Ying's ability.

Guo Decheng and Liu Jing were watching from the side. This uncle of the emperor was quite good. In the army, the most feared thing was a superior who pretended to know everything and a general who did not take the lives of his soldiers seriously.

The king's uncle was very good. He said at the beginning that he knew nothing about military affairs and he trusted the generals under his command.

This is also very good, it means knowing how to use people well!
(End of this chapter)