Chapter 14: Taken with It

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Ma Xun found himself at a loss for words. He had originally thought he would be leaving the palace, but instead, he ended up working within its walls. The good news was that he had gained freedom and now had many places to visit; he no longer had to spend every day tutoring the Crown Prince. The bad news was that he had become a “nanny,” or more precisely, a health physician, which naturally meant a fair share of duties.

This palace had been under construction for three years, initiated under the guidance of Liu Bowen, a master of geomancy, who selected this auspicious site. Twenty thousand workers were mobilized to fill in Yanque Lake and build the palace. Needless to say, the palace was magnificent and imposing, designed according to ritual propriety, aligned with celestial phenomena, and in harmony with nature—flawless in every way. After all, it served as the prototype for the Forbidden City, laying the foundation for architectural styles that would follow.

However, Ma Xun felt the terrain was a bit low-lying and, given it was built on a filled lake, somewhat damp. The plum grove in front of the East Palace was swiftly cut down, as were many flowers in the rear garden, leaving many people puzzled about the sudden changes. Rumors began circulating from the Imperial Medical Bureau, and His Majesty was furious, punishing some court physicians. Thanks to the protection of the Empress and the Crown Prince, no lives were lost.

Ma Xun, the Imperial Uncle, was once again recognized by others. Gossip spread that he had diagnosed illnesses in the Empress and the Crown Prince, causing widespread anxiety. As for titles and rewards, none were granted immediately despite many pleas, which were fortunately held back—for now. The reason the Emperor agreed was not because he abandoned the idea of bestowing honors but because he intended to grant major rewards to meritorious officials after the northern campaign succeeded, likely the following year. Then, all titles would be conferred together. Although there was a preliminary ranking and plan for bestowing titles to founding officials, it still required further refinement.

When Mu Ying saw Ma Xun, he immediately knelt down. “Nephew pays respects to Uncle. If the Empress is unwell, I have failed in my duty and deserve death!” Ma Xun hurriedly helped him up. “What nonsense! The Empress is my sister; there’s no need for you to be like this.” Mu Ying still looked shaken, wiping tears as he said, “The Empress saved my life. If not for His Highness’s care, I wouldn’t be here today!”

“I really want to do something for the Empress. Arrange for someone to go to Guangdong,” Ma Xun said. “There seems to be a medicinal herb called ‘Huajuhong’ there; it dissolves phlegm and stops coughs. It looks like a citrus fruit.” Ma Xun had carefully examined some herbs but hadn’t found Huajuhong. He was anxious. The Compendium of Materia Medica hadn’t been published yet, and many future tribute goods hadn’t appeared.

Mu Ying immediately became attentive. “Uncle, please explain carefully; I’m listening closely.” Mu Ying took notes seriously, as did a nearby young eunuch, while a little maid quietly slipped away.

Zhu Yuanzhang arrived and excitedly asked, “Brother, have you found a miraculous medicine?” “Not exactly miraculous, but somewhat useful,” Ma Xun replied with a headache, quickly explaining, “Brother-in-law, please send someone to Guangdong. Some people there should know about this. I call it Huajuhong, but I don’t know what others might call it.”

Zhu Yuanzhang patted Ma Xun’s hand comfortingly. “Brother, from now on, if there’s such a thing, just arrange for someone to fetch it. Don’t worry about not finding it.” Ma Xun wasn’t afraid of finding the herb; he feared false hopes and being unable to deliver. After all, he wasn’t a proper physician.

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In this era, even a simple cold could be fatal, let alone asthma, which would remain incurable despite future medical advances! When Zhu Yuanzhang saw Ma Xun preparing to leave the palace, he grumbled, “Your sister and your nephew are ill, and you want to go out looking for a wife? You have quite the heart!”

Ma Xun quickly reassured him, “Brother-in-law, my sister and the Crown Prince are not seriously ill. With careful care, they’ll be fine. Please don’t scare yourself or them. A good mood and rest will naturally lead to recovery.” Zhu Yuanzhang nodded immediately. Although his sister and eldest son had respiratory ailments, they were mild and didn’t affect daily life. That was enough. He feared his sister might overreact as Empress Zhangsun once did.

Looking at Zhu Yuanzhang, Ma Xun asked, “Brother-in-law, can I still leave the palace now?” Zhu Yuanzhang urged him on, “Go quickly! If you don’t fancy Liu Ji’s old man’s daughter, come back and tell me!” Deep down, he hoped Ma Xun would reject Liu Bowen’s daughter. However, due to the Empress’s and Crown Prince’s opinions, he had to grudgingly accept it for the time being. If Ma Xun also opposed, he could secretly rejoice.

Finding a good, fertile wife for his little brother-in-law was important. A delicate young lady from a noble family was preferable, not some farmer’s daughter. Continuing the family line was paramount; even if a woman was robust, a good figure for childbirth was essential.

Zhu Yuanzhang looked disdainfully at the silly donkey beside them. “Stupid beast, all it does is bray and eat!” Ma Xun added, “And it never stays still; I have to bring it along whenever I go out.” Zhu Yuanzhang laughed. “It’s surprisingly sensible.”

Zhu Yuanzhang grew increasingly fond of Ma Xun, his little brother-in-law—good-natured, proper, and having saved the Empress and Crown Prince. Now, Ma Xun was less cautious and reserved than before, more familiar and genuinely like family, no longer needing to be constantly restrained.

Zhu Yuanzhang instructed Mu Ying, “Protect your uncle well. His skills are mediocre; if he meets someone ruthless, he won’t hold up.” Mu Ying immediately promised, “Your Majesty, rest assured. I would risk my life to keep my uncle safe!”

“I’m just going to see my wife. Why does it sound like I’m going to war?” Ma Xun was puzzled. “If it’s really that dangerous, I’ll talk to big brother-in-law and see if I can tease Jinglong.”

Zhu Yuanzhang remained silent. If he spoiled Ma Xun’s prospects, the Empress would be furious. Ma Xun’s marriage was a big matter!

As Ma Xun left the palace, he observed the bustling streets. “Yingtian Prefecture is truly the capital city, wealthy and prosperous.” Mu Ying proudly said, “Yingtian Prefecture is a crucial stronghold in Jiangnan, which His Majesty has controlled for fourteen years. It is a place where dragons coil and tigers crouch—the foundation of our Ming dynasty!”

Under Mu Ying’s guidance, Ma Xun arrived at Liu Bowen’s residence. Liu Bowen was fifty-nine, and his youngest daughter was only seventeen. But that wasn’t unusual; Liu Bowen had his first child relatively late, and his eldest son was just twenty-three.

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Liu Bowen’s first wife bore no children. After she passed, his second wife gave birth to Liu Lian, Liu Jing, and a daughter before dying. After joining Zhu Yuanzhang, she was granted the surname Zhang and made a concubine, with two daughters of her own, but they were young and born of a secondary wife.

Liu Bowen sized up the tall, thin, dark Ma Xun and smiled, bowing politely. “The old humble one greets the Imperial Uncle.” “The Deputy Censor greets you,” Ma Xun returned the bow. “I’m not well-versed in the classics and history, and His Majesty and the Empress have many grievances toward me, so I’ve come to seek your guidance.”

Liu Bowen felt bitter inside. Just days ago, his youngest daughter was summoned to the palace, and the Empress personally inquired about her name and birth date, which was inappropriate. Still, it wasn’t too serious. When a child grows up, they should marry. Liu Bowen simply hoped his daughter wouldn’t be wed to some noble official.

There was no worry about the royal family since their princes were unsuitable in age. A family with a daughter is sought by a thousand households, and Liu Bowen cherished and was proud of his daughter. Little did he expect the Empress had taken an interest in her and seemed intent on betrothing her to this former monk, the Imperial Uncle.

After entering the residence, they sat silently, and Liu Lian and Liu Jing were summoned as well, ostensibly to discuss scholarly matters. Mu Ying grew anxious. “Deputy Censor, your children have not all come, have they? Uncle likes tea—let’s have someone serve some.”

Liu Lian and Liu Jing were surprised; they understood the situation well. Despite Mu Ying being the adopted son of the Emperor and Empress and having led troops in battle, he loved reading and often wore scholar’s robes like General Li Wenzhong. To say he was well-read was not an exaggeration. So why was he now so impolite?

Liu Bowen understood the situation clearly. His daughter was highly sought after, but now a nobleman was scrutinizing her. “Let my daughter serve the tea,” he said.

Mu Ying smiled brightly, delighted. “Good, good!” Liu Lian and Liu Jing realized it too. Mu Ying was married with children, clearly the Imperial Uncle now. The brothers felt mixed emotions. They understood the Empress’s status well but were wary of this Imperial Uncle, who was said not to read much and appeared somewhat rough.

A young girl stepped gracefully into the courtyard holding a tray. “Father, please have some tea,” her voice crisp and sweet. Ma Xun’s eyes widened slightly—an oval face, fox-like eyes, about 1.6 meters tall, both sweet and commanding.

Mu Ying immediately stood and, flanking Liu Lian and Liu Jing, said, “Last time we read the classics, there were some puzzles. Let’s discuss them. Uncle has read extensively, and the Deputy Censor can help explain.”

Liu Lian and Liu Jing wanted to object but were no match for Mu Ying. Liu Bowen sighed. It seemed he could no longer protect his daughter; the Imperial Uncle had clearly taken a liking to her.