The fierce grandson of the Ming Dynasty

Chapter 139 Chang Mao: We're not convinced!

It's already the 29th of the twelfth lunar month.

Early on New Year's Eve.

As in previous years, Zhu Xiong Ying, dressed in casual clothes, along with his father Zhu Biao and his uncles and brothers in Beijing, first paid their respects to his grandfather Zhu Yuanzhang and grandmother Ma Xiu Ying.

Afterwards, there are ceremonies such as ancestor worship at Fengxian Hall and worship of the Kitchen God.

In the evening, it was time for a family banquet at the Qianqing Palace.

Compared to last year, the number of people was naturally smaller due to the enfeoffment of several princes, but the lively atmosphere was no less than before!

Sit according to seniority.

Looking around, I saw my uncle, Xu Sima, who had returned to the capital in early winter, standing out in this group!

After the dishes were served, Old Zhu raised his glass first and laughed loudly, "Today is New Year's Eve, a time for family reunion, and even the horses have returned! We are overjoyed!"

"Looking back on this year, our great Ming Dynasty has enjoyed favorable weather, peace, and prosperity, and we even achieved a great victory in the southwest—all thanks to the blessings of our ancestors! Come! Let's drink to this together!"

But I heard my father's words.

Zhu Biao, Xu Sima, and their adopted sons all picked up their wine cups and drank them down in one gulp.

The imperial grandsons, including Zhu Xiong Ying, were young, but they picked up the fruit wine in their cups and imitated the gesture quite well, taking a small sip.

Empress Ma then gave a few opening remarks.

After everyone expressed their gratitude, it was time for the toasting ceremony.

As the Crown Prince and the eldest son of the legitimate wife, Zhu Biao was the first to offer a toast, saying, "Your subject toasts your father and mother!"

May you both enjoy boundless happiness, longevity, and peace year after year.

Zhu Xiong Ying was very familiar with this situation.

When it was his turn to step forward, he immediately stood up and respectfully bowed, saying, "Grandson pays respects to His Majesty and His Majesty! May His Majesty enjoy good health and His Majesty enjoy a long and blessed life!"

"After the New Year, on the third day of the Lunar New Year, your grandson will be traveling north with your maternal uncles and others, and will not be able to stay with you in the palace as often! I hope that Grandfather and Grandmother will take good care of themselves!"

Upon hearing this, Empress Ma quickly reached out and pulled her grandson to her side, saying, "Good child, your grandfather and I appreciate your kindness!"

"I ask for nothing else, I only hope that you can return safely next year —"

The thought of his eldest grandson leaving Beijing was unbearable.

Zhu Yuanzhang was also somewhat reluctant, but he didn't show it on his face.

Seeing this scene, the expressions of the concubines in the harem and the Crown Princess Lü in the Eastern Palace all changed.

Meanwhile, Zhu Gui, the thirteenth prince who had a grudge against Zhu Xiong Ying, stared intently ahead, his little mouth muttering something to himself!

It passed in a short while.

Zhu Xiong Ying was pulled by his grandmother and could only sit next to the throne at the head of the table.

Immediately afterwards, Zhu Jixi, Zhu Yunwen, and Zhu Gaochi stepped forward to offer their toasts.

Once the family banquet ended, it was time for the imperial court to stay up all night to welcome the New Year.

As the sound of firecrackers rang out, the nineteenth year of the Hongwu reign passed, and the Ming Dynasty ushered in the twentieth year of the Hongwu reign.

It was still dark on the first day of the Lunar New Year.

Zhu Xiong Ying then changed into her New Year's Day court dress.

First, he followed his grandfather Zhu Yuanzhang, his father Zhu Biao, and other members of the Zhu family to the Imperial Ancestral Temple for a grand ceremony.

Following this was the annual Grand Court Assembly at Fengtian Hall on New Year's Day —

It was a very busy day.

On the second day of the Lunar New Year, Zhu Xiong Ying simply put aside other matters and spent time with Old Zhu and Empress Ma.

After all, we'll be leaving the palace early tomorrow morning!

I must have a good chat with the two elders.

Therefore, even if everything goes smoothly after leaving the capital, it will take at least a year and a half before we can return to the capital!

The Imperial City, Wenhua Hall.

Inside the main hall.

Just before leaving Beijing.

As expected, Crown Prince Zhu Biao summoned his brother-in-law Chang Mao to the palace alone and entrusted him with a few matters.

Chang Mao entered the hall.

Zhu Biao took the main seat, ordered his attendants to offer him a seat, and then dismissed everyone else.

When only the two of them remained, Zhu Biao stroked his beard, frowned, and pondered, "We're leaving for Beiping tomorrow—"

Is everything ready?

Chang Mao nodded and said, "Please rest assured, Your Highness, everything is going perfectly."

Zhu Biao sighed, "But Xiong Ying, this child, has never been to a military camp before!"

"You're his maternal uncle, you've watched him grow up! On this trip to Beiping, please keep a close eye on him, both along the way and in the military!"

With a heart full of love for his child.

Zhu Biao's lips moved slightly, and he only said a few words.

But how could Chang Mao not understand his true intentions?

He quickly sat up straight, leaned forward, and said solemnly, "Please rest assured, Your Highness!"

"The eldest grandson of the Emperor is our own nephew, with the blood of the Chang family flowing through his veins! His father passed away early and couldn't watch him grow up. As his uncle, it's our duty to protect him, even without His Highness saying so!"

"Even on the front lines, anyone who dares to deceive the Crown Prince will be the first to face our wrath!"

"Besides, Jinglong and Yungong will be accompanying us on this journey north—Your Highness can rest assured!"

I caught a glimpse of my brother-in-law's posture.

Zhu Biao pondered for a moment and said, "We trust you, brother! But during wartime, you must remember not to always rush forward. You must take care of yourself so that you can take care of Xiong Ying!"

Chang Mao nodded emphatically and said, "Your subject understands!"

The two finished their conversation.

Unexpectedly, news came from the Huagai Palace that Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang had also summoned him, so Chang Mao had no choice but to hurry to see the emperor.

By the time he left the palace and returned to the Duke's mansion, it was already getting dark.

Upon entering the study, a servant came to report that his third brother, Changsen, had come to see him!

As for his second brother, Changsheng, he still had to shoulder heavy responsibilities during the Lunar New Year, guarding the university and looking after some military workshops, so he did not return home.

A moment later, Chang Sen stepped in and hurriedly said, "Big brother is back!"

Chang Mao looked up and nodded: "Yes! My brother-in-law, the Crown Prince, kept us for a while, and then His Majesty summoned us—"

Upon hearing this, Chang Sen picked up the kettle, poured his elder brother a cup of hot water, and asked, "Is it for the matter of leaving the capital tomorrow?"

Chang Mao picked up his water cup, took a sip, and said, "Just as my third brother said, His Majesty and the Crown Prince are acting with the best of intentions!"

"Your Excellency, our nephew is the eldest grandson of the Emperor, of noble birth, and still young. This is his first time experiencing military training!"

"And this is completely different from my last trip back to my hometown of Fengyang—"

"My brother-in-law, the Crown Prince, and His Majesty have all made guarantees that we will protect our nephew!"

He paused, then added, "But once we leave, Second Brother will have to take care of the university's affairs!"

"This household is in your hands, Third Brother! If anything happens, consult with Second Brother and write to us promptly!"

Chang Sen is young, but he is steady and reliable, making him a good candidate to manage a household.

While feeling envious of his elder brother Chang Mao's ability to follow the emperor's eldest grandson and fight on the front lines, he also felt some worry.

Upon hearing this, he nodded repeatedly and said, "Please rest assured, brother, I know what to do!"

"Speaking of this Northern Expedition, since Uncle Feng is in charge, I'm sure my elder brother will be given an important position—"

Upon hearing my younger brother mention his father-in-law...

Chang Mao's face immediately darkened, and he couldn't help but snort coldly.

In terms of military ability, his father, Chang Yuchun, the Prince of Kaiping, was far superior to his father-in-law!

Not to mention his cousin Li Wenzhong, who is definitely a general!

Therefore, he was extremely dissatisfied with his father-in-law, Feng Sheng, taking command this time!