The fierce grandson of the Ming Dynasty

Chapter 129 Our nephew is so grown up!

A dozen or so breaths later.

The commander stood motionless at the bow of the ship, looking dazed.

The guard, gripping his sword hilt, quickly stepped forward and softly advised, "General, the wind is strong on the river. You've been standing for an hour; why don't you go back to your cabin and rest?"

Xu Sima withdrew his gaze, waved his hand, and pondered for a moment before saying, "It's alright, let's stand here a little longer!"

"Also, we'll be arriving in the capital tomorrow. Pass on my orders: everyone be on high alert and do not disturb the peace!"

"Your humble servant obeys!"

After his personal guards withdrew, Xu Sima stood with his hands behind his back, gazing at the landscape before finally entering the cabin as the sun began to set.

Upon arriving at the desk, he sat down and looked at the imperial edict and several family letters.

His eyes were filled with reminiscence as he recalled the scenes from when he left Beijing, and he couldn't help but sigh.

I remember the day I entered the palace, my parents gave me many gentle instructions.

Before parting, his mother, Empress Ma, secretly slipped him a cloth bag containing clothes she had sewn herself, and instructed him, "Take good care of yourself while you're away, and come back to the capital to visit your mother often when you have time!"

Ten years have passed since that parting.

Several years ago, he suddenly heard that his mother and eldest nephew were both sick, and he was extremely anxious.

However, due to the heavy responsibilities he was entrusted with, he was unable to return to the capital to fulfill his filial duties!

What should he do if something really happens to his loved ones?

Thinking back on this, Xu Sima still felt a lingering fear.

It reminds me of my childhood.

When he was nine years old, both his parents died and he was left to wander the streets.

I was fortunate to be adopted by my parents, otherwise I wouldn't be where I am today.

On ordinary days, the two elders in the palace treated him even better than their own son!

Especially that year, during the march, he was wounded in battle, and his mother stayed by his bedside for three days and three nights without closing her eyes.

As for his father, although he was the emperor and had a strict nature, he loved his adopted son the most!

He took him with him and taught him military strategy, archery, and swordsmanship.

It was during his first time on the battlefield, attacking Jiqing, that he stayed by his side, comforting him, "Don't be afraid, horse, your father is here."

And so, step by step, he was transformed from a homeless child into a great general capable of standing on his own!

There's also his younger brother, Zhu Biao, who is much younger than him and whom he watched grow up!

Even in his childhood, Biao'er was gentle and easygoing, and he preferred to play with him and Mu Ying, whether there was something to do or not.

As the elder brothers, they naturally did their best to protect their younger brother Biao'er and not let him suffer any injustice!

Besides that, the person he missed the most was his eldest nephew, Zhu Xiong Ying, the eldest grandson of the emperor, whom he had met before.

When his eldest nephew was born, he hadn't even left the capital yet.

In his memory, his nephew was a beautifully sculpted little baby who slept in his swaddling clothes all day long, his little hands clenched into fists, and he was incredibly cute.

His mother then told him, as the uncle, to hold the child more, and said with a smile, "Ma'er, look how much this child looks like your younger brother Biao'er. He's sure to be a great person in the future!"

Over the years, even though he wasn't in the capital, he heard countless stories about his nephew.

For the past two years, my nephew has written him letters every holiday, filled with concern and care!

Seeing all this, he felt a mixture of curiosity, relief, and pride!

Sure enough, the descendants of the Zhu family, such as his younger brother Zhu Biao and Zhu Di, and his nephew Zhu Xiong Ying, were all very successful!

Xu Sima looked at her with tenderness and flipped through the family letters beside him.

Finally, look at the seal that was placed there.

During his ten years in Zhongzhou, he guarded Bianliang in Henan, reorganized the garrison, constructed water conservancy projects, and promoted agriculture and sericulture.

All my actions here have not disappointed my parents' trust and the court's confidence!

I don't yet know what important task I will be entrusted with upon returning to Beijing!

But Xu Sima will do his utmost to fulfill his mission!

The next day, it was past noon.

Yingtianfu, Longjiangguan Wharf.

A gentle autumn breeze blows as the sun rises high in the sky.

The dock was guarded by the Imperial Guards, and officials and their entourage who came to greet them were densely packed.

In the front position, Crown Prince Zhu Biao, dressed in casual clothes and wearing a winged crown, was talking to his ministers while looking at the river.

Today is the day my elder brother, Xu Sima, enters the capital.

The horse brother who has doted on him since childhood is finally coming back!

Not far to the side.

Zhu Xiong Ying, the eldest grandson of the emperor, wore a moon-white robe with dark patterns. His back was straight, his eyes were bright, and he kept gazing into the distance.

According to historical records, Uncle Xu was a humble and prudent man with numerous military achievements.

His previous replies revealed his character and integrity, not to mention his illustrious achievements!

Now that he's back, we know he has a pre-existing health condition and needs more care to prevent him from dying young again!

And Zhu Xiong Ying stood beside her.

Besides his uncle Li Wenzhong, there were also his maternal uncle Chang Mao, his uncle Xu Yungong, and other relatives.

Prince Zhu Gui and other princes in Beijing, as well as grandsons of the emperor such as Zhu Jixi, Zhu Yunwen, and Zhu Gaochi, were all among those who came to greet them.

Zhu Yunwen and the other younger children craned their necks to look around, their little mouths chattering incessantly.

"I've heard Uncle Xu is a really good soldier!"

"I wonder if Uncle Xu will bring us some jujubes from Henan when he comes back!"

Seeing the commotion, Zhu Xiong Ying turned around and gently reminded them, "Yun Tong, all of you, please keep your voices down. When Uncle Xu arrives, you must be even more mindful of the rules and pay your respects together!"

"Understood, big brother!"

Just then.

Several small black dots appeared on the river, and then they grew bigger and bigger!

Everyone immediately fell silent and stood in their proper places!

In the welcoming procession.

Upon closer inspection, the father and son, Zhu Biao and Zhu Xiong Ying, were the most excited!

Boom!

When the official boat slowly approached the shore, the boatmen threw down the ropes and set up the gangplank.

Xu Sima had already changed his clothes and moved quickly and steadily, taking the lead in stepping down.

Those tiger-like eyes instantly saw Zhu Biao standing there, and their eyes involuntarily reddened!

"Your subject pays respects to Your Highness the Crown Prince!"

Xu Sima was about to perform a formal bow when he paid his respects.

Zhu Biao quickly stepped forward and hugged him tightly, saying, "Brother Ma, you're finally back in the capital! Father and Mother have been talking about you constantly, and we brothers have missed you too!"

Xu Sima wiped his eyes, straightened up, put his hand on his younger brother's shoulder, and said with a smile, "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty and the Empress, and even more so for the Crown Prince's thoughtfulness!"

"Being able to safeguard the Central Plains for the Ming Dynasty is worth any hardship!"

Zhu Biao smiled broadly and then pulled his younger brothers in front of him, introducing them one by one and exchanging greetings.

When it's the turn of the younger generation.

Before the Crown Prince's younger brother could speak, Xu Sima's gaze fell directly on Zhu Xiong Ying. Seeing his tall and upright figure, handsome face, and dignified demeanor, he said incredulously, "This is our nephew Xiong Ying?"

No wonder Xu Sima was surprised, because Zhu Xiong Ying was already in his teens and had grown to his shoulder. In addition, he was calm and composed, and was no longer the baby he had been years ago!

Zhu Biao nodded and said, "To be honest, Brother Ma, it is indeed Xiong Ying!"

"Xiongying, quickly greet your Uncle Xu!"

Zhu Xiong Ying respectfully bowed and said, "Nephew Xiong Ying greets Uncle Xu!"

"Uncle Xu has guarded Henan for more than ten years, and his hard work and merits are immense. I admire him greatly!"

He then uttered words of praise.

Xu Sima hurriedly reached out to help him up, and as he looked him over carefully, he said with a touch of emotion, "Nephew, get up quickly! I remember when we left the capital, you were only one or two years old, just learning to speak!"

"You've grown so much over the years!"