The fierce grandson of the Ming Dynasty

"Get up! Get up!"

Looking at his chubby grandson, Xu Da's smile remained unchanged, his tiger-like eyes overflowing with affection.

In early September, the emperor's grandson, Zhu Gaochi, arrived from Beiping to personally offer birthday greetings.

When he came to visit at the end of the month, it just so happened that he was on imperial orders to inspect the construction of the imperial mausoleum.

Looking at him today, my grandson has grown taller and fatter since we parted in Beiping!

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the group entered the inner hall.

After the main guests and guests are seated, tea is served.

Zhu Xiong Ying first inquired about Old Xu's health, asking, "Grandpa Xu, has your carbuncle on your back not recurred in the second half of the year?"

"Just a few days ago, my imperial grandfather was still talking about how you are the Great Wall of the Ming Dynasty, and he specially issued an edict to the head of the Imperial Medical Academy, ordering him to send two more imperial physicians to reside in your residence to take your pulse..."

In fact, it was he who personally proposed this.

For the past year and a half, Dai Sigong has been busy verifying some pharmacological theories according to his own, so he has not been able to come for consultations as often.

As for figures like Xu Da, Duke of Wei, and Li Wenzhong, Duke of Cao, and last year, when Zhu Yuanzhang accepted his suggestion to recall Guo Xing, Marquis of Gongchang, and Xue Xian, Marquis of Yongcheng, who were recuperating in the capital…

These people are pillars of the nation, top-tier founding generals, more precious than anything else.

We must improve medical conditions, heal our injuries first, and live longer so that we can continue to contribute to the Ming Dynasty in the future!

Among them, Uncle Li Wenzhong, as a strict father on the grassland, is in his prime, not yet fifty years old!

After two years of recuperation, the sixth Northern Expedition will begin.

He wanted to personally volunteer to lead the army, bringing along his uncle Bao'er, his maternal uncle Lan Yu, Duke Feng Sheng of Song, Duke Fu Youde of Ying, Marquis Zhao Yong of Nanxiong, Marquis Guo Ying of Wuding, Marquis Hu Hai of Dongchuan...

To annihilate the formidable enemy in the northern desert in one fell swoop and achieve lasting peace and stability in the northern frontier!

By then, he will be old and strong, and I think Old Zhu wouldn't object!

In fact, during the Hongwu era, Zhu Yuanzhang launched thirteen Northern Expeditions against the formidable enemy, the remnants of the Yuan dynasty.

Even after his fourth uncle, Zhu Di, seized the throne, he launched five consecutive wars.

On their last mission, despite venturing deep into the northern desert, they still failed to locate Arughtai's main force.

Seeing that the supplies were exhausted and the soldiers were weary, he had no choice but to order a retreat. On the way back, he fell ill and died in Yumu River.

Therefore, drawing lessons from all of this, to achieve a decisive victory, it is not only about people, but also about comprehensive planning in areas such as military equipment and logistical support.

The fundamental purpose of establishing universities and cultivating talent is to strengthen internal capabilities!

Upon hearing this, Xu Da cupped his hands in thanks and said, "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty!"

"This old minister's bones are not what they used to be. Sitting for too long makes me feel tired and useless..."

Hearing Old Xu's sigh, Zhu Xiong Ying quickly replied, "Grandpa Xu, what are you saying?"

"Once you've recovered, Xiong Ying is looking forward to the day when we can join forces to eliminate the Tartars, restore the northern deserts, and achieve great deeds!"

Then, Zhu Gaochi added with concern, "But as my elder brother said, Grandfather must take care of his health..."

"Before leaving Beiping this time, Mother specifically instructed her grandson to bring the finest ginseng and donkey-hide gelatin, so that Grandpa could take good care of himself and rest. Uncle will take care of things at home!"

Mentioning his eldest daughter, Xu Miaoyun, Xu Da's expression softened further, and he sighed, "It's kind of your mother to still think of me even though she's far away in Beiping..."

We chatted for a while about everyday things.

Xu Da stroked his beard and suddenly pondered, "Speaking of which, a few days ago, this old minister heard that the university Your Highness is overseeing is focused on practical learning, but it is still short of funds for enrollment and recruitment?"

Is Lao Xu going to donate money?

Zhu Xiong Ying's eyes burned with passion, but then her small face turned serious.

He sighed and said, "Indeed, Grandpa Xu, the school is just starting out, and the school buildings are not yet completed. Even after enrollment begins next spring, there will be a significant shortage of books, writing materials, paper, and grain for the students..."

He understood the meaning behind the eldest grandson of the emperor's words.

Xu Da laughed heartily, "Although Your Highness is young, you are concerned about the affairs of the country. This is truly a blessing for the Ming Dynasty!"

"My ancestors were farmers for generations, and they knew the importance of education. Since Your Highness has a need, it just so happens that the Xu family owns two hundred hectares of fertile land south of the city, which was personally bestowed by His Majesty!"

"How about this: half of the rent collected each year will be donated to the school to cover the students' food expenses!"

"In addition, this old minister will donate another 20,000 taels of silver, which will be used for winter and summer clothing, charcoal, and other necessities!"

"We sincerely hope that the schools Your Highness establishes will produce more outstanding talents for the Ming Dynasty, bringing benefits to the world and its people!"

Look at Lao Xu's awareness.

No one in the imperial court could compare to him.

Knowing the Xu family's wealth, Zhu Xiong Ying didn't stand on ceremony. He quickly stood up, bowed, and said, "Grandpa Xu's actions are truly meritorious. On behalf of the students about to enter school, Xiong Ying thanks you!"

Xu Da quickly helped him up, shaking his head and saying, "Your Highness is too kind. It is an honor for this old minister to be able to do my part in this matter!"

These words had just been spoken.

Zhu Xiong Ying looked at Xu Tianfu, who was bowing and serving her not far away.

Seeing that he seemed thinner than he had been a few months ago, she couldn't help but ask with concern, "Uncle Xu, are you feeling unwell?"

"If there is any discomfort, whether it is a major or minor ailment, it must not be ignored; the imperial physician must be consulted..."

Historically, this second son of the Xu family unfortunately died young due to illness.

That's why he specifically asked him.

Xu Tianfu hurriedly replied, "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness! I've been experiencing a loss of appetite and nausea lately. I already saw Imperial Physician Dai and am currently recuperating!"

Zhu Xiong Ying was startled when he heard this.

Based on his symptoms, Uncle Xu is very likely to have stomach cancer.

Next time I'll have to ask Dai Sigong properly, try my best to stop the progression of the disease so I can live longer...

Well, I owe the Xu family a favor today, and I have to find a way to repay it!

As they were about to part, Zhu Xiong Ying, facing Xu Da who was seeing him off, said, "Grandpa Xu, please wait a moment. Gao Chi and I will come to visit you again in a few days!"

……

More than an hour later, at the foot of Zhongshan Mountain.

At the construction site of the university hall.

Zhu Xiong Ying led his younger brother Zhu Gao Chi to inspect the school buildings.

Behind the two were Wang Pu and others who were in charge of supervising the construction.

The daily security work here is currently being handled by Er Ya Tou Li Jing Long!

More than half a year has passed since his father, Li Wenzhong, sent him to the army for training.

The eldest son of the Duke of Cao has changed quite a bit!

Not only has his skin become tanned dark, but his aloofness has also diminished considerably, making him appear more pragmatic and mature!

When Zhu Xiong Ying called him over and introduced him as the son of his uncle Li Wen Zhong, even his younger brother Zhu Gao Chi was somewhat surprised.

I still remember my father saying that the son of the Duke of Cao was handsome from a young age and looked like a girl.

Looking at it today, it's completely different from what I've heard!

That's truly impressive!

However, it was still early.

Zhu Xiong Ying did not rush back to the palace. Instead, he took a group of guards and planned to go to the neighboring village to learn from Biao Er's father and understand the people's conditions.

On the other side, just as they arrived at the village entrance, they saw a large, dark crowd gathered around.

A long-faced man, presumably the village head, stood on a bench, holding a small booklet in his hand, and shouted at the top of his lungs: "His Majesty has decreed! Every household shall have a copy of this 'Great Proclamation.' If a person commits a crime punishable by flogging, caning, penal servitude, or exile, the punishment shall be reduced by one degree for each offense. If no such household has a copy, the punishment shall be increased by one degree..."