The fierce grandson of the Ming Dynasty

Chapter 130 Empress Ma's Reflections

Looking at his eldest nephew, Xu Sima couldn't stop talking once he started.

She then recounted everything she had heard about, including the smallpox vaccine, her words filled with the loving care of an elder.

Seeing Uncle Xu's thoughtfulness, Zhu Xiong Ying responded with respect and humility.

When it was the turn of his nephews Zhu Jixi, Zhu Yun, and Zhu Gaochi to pay their respects, Xu Sima smiled and helped them all to their feet.

"Arise, rise, rise!"

Then, he had his personal guards bring some small gifts, mostly local specialties from Zhongzhou, and distributed them on the spot to his younger brothers and nephews.

When facing the other civil and military officials, Xu Sima was not as arrogant and unruly as Lan Yu and Chang Mao.

Instead, he remained calm and magnanimous, responding with a gentle smile.

His temperament and personality are similar to Mu Ying's, and he possesses a strong sense of the big picture!

Seeing this, Zhu Xiong Ying was deeply moved and full of praise.

His Uncle Xu truly has the bearing of a great general!

If they live a good life and have the support of the Crown Prince, their future is limitless!

Perhaps, together with his uncle Mu Ying, he could become a great war god of the Ming Dynasty like his maternal grandfather Chang Yuchun!

And then there's my maternal uncle Lan Yu and my paternal uncle Li Wenzhong—with such formidable generals, what is there to fear from internal or external troubles?

After the welcoming ceremony concludes.

As they were about to return to the city, Zhu Biao, full of affection, insisted on taking his elder brother, Xu Sima, in the same carriage.

After the carriage set off.

As the two sat facing each other, Xu Sima took the initiative to start a conversation about the situation in Henan.

"Your Highness is unaware! Henan has changed a great deal in recent years!"

"After I took office, in accordance with His Majesty's instructions, I first rectified the garrisons, eliminated the old, weak, sick and disabled, and trained a large number of elite soldiers."

"Then water conservancy projects were undertaken, and several tributaries of the Bian River and the Yellow River were dredged, irrigating millions of acres of fertile land. In the local areas, military settlements were implemented, allowing soldiers to fight in wartime and farm in peacetime! In years of plenty, the grain from the Central Plains alone was not only self-sufficient, but also enough to transport grain to Beiping (Beijing) —"

"As for last year, when the grain theft case broke out, the entire Central Plains was thoroughly investigated, and more than a thousand corrupt officials were executed."

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"For example, the smallpox vaccine developed by the Imperial Medical Academy at the request of my nephew has been widely promoted and tested in various prefectures and counties of Henan since the middle of the year. Even in rural areas, the response has been very positive!"

"Only the Yellow River floods, which often occur after severe droughts, have not been cured for many years."

Seeing Xu Sima's regretful expression.

Zhu Biao quickly comforted him, saying, "Brother, you've worked hard! The Yellow River floods have a long history and cannot be resolved overnight!"

"This is not my brother's fault, but a natural disaster. However, a few days ago, Xiong Ying presented Father with something called Yong'an Ash. This substance is far more effective than mortar, rice ash, and other similar materials, and may be used for dike construction and flood control."

"Furthermore, Father Emperor, mindful of your elder brother's merits, has summoned you back and intends to appoint your brother as Vice Commander of the Central Military Commission to assist in the management of national military affairs—"

As Zhu Biao stroked his beard, he recounted the whole story of the Yong'an Ashes.

Xu Sima has been involved in military campaigns and has also governed local areas for many years. How could he not understand the effectiveness of these strategies?

He composed himself and said, "It is my honor to serve the court!"

"The inventions of Xiong Ying have proven their effectiveness and have been widely used in military and civilian applications, making a tremendous contribution!"

Zhu Biao smiled and said, "Brother, you can rest assured. Father has already ordered special personnel to oversee and supervise the production of Yong'an lime at lime kilns throughout the country—"

That concludes the discussion.

Xu Sima, full of concern, asked again, "I wonder how Your Majesty and Empress are doing lately?"

Zhu Biao nodded and said, "Brother, rest assured, Father and Mother have been in good health these past few years, they're just getting old!"

"Even the Empress Dowager knew you were coming back, and she's been talking about it every day. She was still saying it before leaving the palace today—"

When they talked about their adoptive father Zhu Yuanzhang and adoptive mother Empress Ma.

On the battlefield, even the most ruthless and decisive Xu Sima's eyes welled up with tears.

"It is my unfilial son who has caused the Empress worry!"

Zhu Biao gripped his arm tightly, trying to comfort him, "Brother, please don't say that!"

"Your work in the local areas is for the sake of the Ming Dynasty and its people. Your father and mother understand your hard work!"

"My original purpose in coming to the capital was to visit my elder brother and to have a proper family reunion!"

Two hours later, inside the Huagai Hall.

Crown Prince Zhu Biao, the eldest grandson of the emperor Zhu Xiong Ying, and others entered the palace first.

After informing Zhu Yuanzhang, Xu Sima was summoned to an audience.

Inside the palace, Zhu Yuanzhang, dressed in casual clothes, sat on the dragon throne, looking somewhat anxious towards the entrance of the main hall.

"Where are our horses? Why haven't they arrived yet?"

Seeing that the emperor was angry, the eunuch hurriedly looked outside to find out what was wrong.

After a short while, he returned and reported, "Your Majesty, General Xu has arrived!"

As soon as Xu Sima stepped inside, he saw the imposing figure at the head of the table.

His face was filled with excitement. He knelt down, lifting his robe, and said in a loud voice, "Your subject, Xu Sima, has come back to the capital to report and pay my respects to Your Majesty. Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"

Zhu Yuanzhang strode over and personally helped the horse up, saying, "Our horse, get up quickly!!"

"Just call us Father, as before. Why call us Your Majesty? It sounds too formal."

Seeing her father as before, her stern demeanor was filled with tenderness.

Xu Sima hesitated to rise, tears welling in his eyes, and said, "Your subject is unfilial; I have not returned home for ten years, and have not been able to fulfill my filial duties by your side—"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang's face darkened, and he feigned anger, saying, "What nonsense are you spouting now?"

"Your mother and I know everything you did in Henan. You really suffered!"

"Even today, since most of the people here are family, we don't observe the proper etiquette between ruler and subject, but only the bond between father and son—"

Old Zhu spoke.

Zhu Xiong Ying hurriedly stepped forward to help him up, saying, "Grandfather is right, Uncle, please get up!"

Zhu Biao and the others also stepped forward to help him.

After chatting for a while, I learned that my grandmother, Empress Ma, was still waiting.

Zhu Xiong Ying's eyes flickered, and she turned to Old Zhu, saying, "Grandfather, look, Uncle has been traveling all the way and hasn't even rested since arriving in the capital. He must be hungry!"

"Grandmother has prepared a banquet long ago. Why don't we go see her now and start the banquet sooner?"

He swept his gaze across the crowd.

Zhu Yuanzhang slapped his thigh and said, "My grandson is right, we almost forgot!"

After everyone gathered around Old Zhu, they arrived at the family banquet in Qianqing Palace.

The moment she saw her adopted son, Empress Ma, supported by her maids, hurriedly grasped his kneeling arm and cried out in a trembling voice, "My horse, my horse! You've finally returned!"

Out of longing for loved ones.

Xu Sima opened his mouth, but instead of addressing her respectfully as "Your Majesty the Empress," he choked out, "Mother! Your son is unfilial and has caused you worry!"

That one word, "Mother," brought tears to Empress Ma's eyes.

She reached out and touched her adopted son's head, saying with emotion, "Ten years have passed. I've been waiting for you to come back every day, burning incense and praying for your safety. Look at you, your hair has all turned white!"

These heartfelt words brought tears to the eyes of many who heard them.

Empress Ma had a pre-existing illness, and the excessive emotional fluctuations were detrimental to her health!

Zhu Xiong Ying walked to the side, took his grandmother's arm, and said, "Grandmother! It's a good thing that Uncle is back!"

"Please sit down, Grandfather, and Uncle. Let's talk things over slowly!"

Zhu Yuanzhang sighed and echoed, "What my grandson says is absolutely right! My sister, my Biao'er, my horse—don't just stand there, let's eat and chat!"