The fierce grandson of the Ming Dynasty

Chapter 123 Zhu Tan: Nephew, your tenth uncle was wrong!

Outside the city gate.

After the uncle and nephew exchanged greetings, Zhu Xiong Ying led his younger brothers to pay their respects to their aunt, Madam Tang, who was inside the carriage.

Princess Tang of Lu was the daughter of Tang He, the Duke of Xin.

She was already virtuous and kind, and she was deeply grateful to her nephew and others who were seeing her off.

Then, Zhu Tan looked at his nephews behind him and sighed, "I'm just going to Yanzhou to take up my fief, yet you, my eldest nephew, have come all this way with Gao Chi and Yunwen to see me off!"

Zhu Xiong Ying laughed and said, "Uncle, what are you saying?"

"You were very close to us younger generation in the palace. Now that you are going to travel thousands of miles away, it would be unreasonable for my brothers and me not to see you off!"

Zhu Gaochi raised his head, took half a step forward, bowed, and replied, "What my elder brother says is absolutely right!"

"Uncle, your journey to protect the land and its people is a true example for us nephews. It is only right that we come to see you off today!"

After Zhu Gaochi started, Zhu Yunwen and the others also chattered, expressing their reluctance to part.

The respectful attitude shown by them deeply impressed Zhu Tan.

His eldest nephew is brave and resourceful, bold yet meticulous!

It has been less than a year since then.

Moreover, he taught his nephews Zhu Jixi and others very well; they all know the rules and are reasonable!

Everything here reminded him of many years ago, when his fourth brother Zhu Di and others were still studying at the university, and how his eldest brother Zhu Biao had taught and cared for him.

In conversation.

The uncles and nephews, a large and happy group, rested under a nearby shed.

The eunuch served cold tea, and everyone took their seats.

Zhu Xiong Ying's eyes flickered, and he said first, "Uncle Ten doesn't know!"

"Last night, my imperial grandfather said that Yanzhou is the gateway to Shandong, bordering Xuzhou to the south and connecting to Beiping to the north, making it the heart of the Ming Dynasty! Entrusting this fiefdom to you is because we trust your talent and ability to protect this land and its people!"

"My grandmother also instructed me to convey a message: Chongzhou in Shandong is quite different from Yingtian Prefecture. There are many differences in climate and food. Once you arrive, please take good care of yourself and write often to let us know you are safe!"

He roughly explained the intentions of Emperor Zhu and Empress Ma.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Tan recalled the reluctance her father and mother showed when she entered the palace to bid farewell yesterday.

His eyes welled up with tears, and he hurriedly faced the direction of the imperial city, bowing and saying, "Your subject obeys the decree of Father and Mother! After arriving at my fiefdom, I will do my utmost to promote agriculture and sericulture, establish schools, bring peace to the people, and secure the region, never failing the kindness of my upbringing—"

He gestured for Sanbao and Laishun to go and help him up.

When Zhu Tan stood up.

Zhu Xiong Ying pulled his tenth uncle, who was not much taller than him, and said with great concern, "Tenth Uncle, you have always been fond of literature and etiquette, and are full of learning. Even Grandfather said that I should learn more from you!"

Just as I had thought, his tenth uncle's literary talent and abilities were both quite remarkable!

Unfortunately, he later went astray, became close to alchemists, and died from poisoning after consuming elixirs!

Just like the day I sent off my great-uncle Lan Yu, I also have some heartfelt words to say today, and I plan to have a good chat.

After all, the Ming Dynasty was still in its early stages. With his grandfather, his father, and himself around, the imperial uncles were firmly kept in check, preventing any unrest.

Originally, I hoped that my relatives would be well and that I could contribute my personal strength to building a strong and prosperous Ming Dynasty!

As Zhu Tan listened, Zhu Xiong Ying continued, "Uncle, your journey to Yanzhou is long and arduous. I have a few words from my heart that I would like to share with you today!"

Thinking back on what my nephew has done over the past year and a half!

Furthermore, there are all kinds of growth and changes —

Zhu Tan showed no disrespect, immediately straightened up, composed himself, and solemnly said, "Nephew, please speak frankly!"

Zhu Xiong Ying glanced at the city gate and said solemnly, "Uncle, you should know that you are a prince of the Ming Dynasty. After you arrive in your fiefdom, there will be countless people around you who will fawn over you, including many sorcerers and magicians!"

"These people's wild words must not be believed! Besides, my imperial grandfather hates these kinds of people the most!"

"Over the years, my nephew has been learning medicine from Mr. Dai and others, and he has come to know that the art of alchemy and elixirs, though seemingly miraculous, is in fact extremely poisonous."

They brought up Old Zhu, emphasizing the matter of magic arts, to give his tenth uncle a heads-up.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Tan was immediately startled.

In the past two years, in addition to studying Confucian classics, he has also become somewhat fascinated by Taoist books such as the "Huang Ting Jing".

He also had some novel ideas about certain alchemical methods.

But these things were never mentioned to anyone.

How did my nephew know?

The only possibility is that the Emperor's Imperial Guards have been closely monitoring his every move!

Including today, all his nephews came to see him off.

These words were probably spoken by the Emperor's eldest nephew, with the aim of giving him a warning!

Thinking of his father Zhu Yuanzhang's methods.

In that instant, Zhu Tan broke out in a cold sweat, forced a smile, and hurriedly said, "Nephew's words are worth more than a thousand pieces of gold!"

"I have kept it all in mind, and I will remain in my residence, close to virtuous ministers and keep away from petty men—"

He discovered that his tenth uncle was so pragmatic, agreeing so readily.

Zhu Xiong Ying looked surprised, but quickly recovered, clapped his hands, and said with a smile, "In addition, your nephews and others have each prepared some gifts to present to Uncle Shi as a token of our appreciation!"

After he finished speaking, Laifu hurriedly brought over a small box.

Within Zhu Tan's line of sight.

After the young eunuch opened it, two small booklets were revealed.

The topmost notebook has the words "Essentials of Daily Health Preservation" written on its cover in bold, flamboyant characters.

The booklet below contains the drawings, which are labeled "Public Service Map".

After Zhu Xiong Ying picked it up, she explained, "Uncle Shi must have had a very arduous journey once he arrived in his new place!"

"What my nephew gave me is a record of daily diet and exercise methods, based on the words of the imperial physicians!"

"As for this handy map, it is a summary of planting, land reclamation, fertilization, and farm tool making methods compiled by the agricultural and engineering doctoral students and other students at the university over the past few months."

Zhu Tan was a smart man, so how could he not see through his nephew's intentions?

He hurriedly took it and handed it to his trusted eunuch, praising, "My nephew is so thoughtful; I truly don't know how to thank you!"

Zhu Xiong Ying shook his head and said, "Uncle, you're mistaken. We're all family; saying such things is too formal!"

Subsequently, Zhu Yunwen, Zhu Jixi, Zhu Gaochi, and other imperial grandsons also came forward and presented their small gifts.

Some were handwritten copies of "The Great Learning," while others were poems they had written themselves.

When it was Zhu Yunwen's turn, he took out a small, exquisite wooden bow.

This was originally one of the gifts Zhu Xiong Ying gave to his younger brothers after returning to Beijing.

Zhu Chongtong had always cherished it, but he never expected to take it out today.

He ran ahead, raised his arms high, and exclaimed, "Tenth Uncle, your nephew is no good!"

"This was a gift from my elder brother last time. I'm giving it to you as a nephew. Please don't be offended! It's good for self-defense. You might need it when you go hunting!"

'

Zhu Tan took a look, smiled, patted his nephew's head, and said, "Yun Teng is so thoughtful, your tenth uncle will accept it!"

"When we arrive in the fiefdom, it will be a festival, and your tenth uncle will also give you some delicious food and fun toys—"