Chapter 24: The Uncle Who Steals Credit

The rank was so high that it made Ma Xun feel somewhat embarrassed; he understood all too well the meaning of being undeserving of one's position.

Upon reflection, however, there was no need to feel overly guilty. This was merely a nominal title. As the Emperor's brother-in-law, no one would scrutinize his abilities too closely; his status alone was more than enough. There was no need to overthink it; everyone understood exactly how things worked.

Having lived two lives, this was his first time going to war. He felt both excitement and a sense of unease. The Ming Dynasty had been established, but the fighting had not truly ceased; conflict continued incessantly in the north. Although the Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun had been recovered, the Yuan Emperor still cast his gaze southward. Xu Da and Chang Yuchun were still struggling against Wang Baobao, who held sway over the Gansu and Lanzhou regions, and there was even a possibility that Beiping might be recaptured.

That man was a true marvel of the age, an opponent even Xu Da could not claim to easily defeat. Though he had suffered defeats at the hands of Xu Da, Chang Yuchun, and Li Wenzhong, the moment he seized an opportunity, the Ming army risked total disaster.

Shamelessly, Ma Xun rode his donkey to the Censor-in-Chief’s residence once again. As long as one was thick-skinned, nothing was a problem.

Liu Lian looked at Ma Xun and asked, "Brother-in-law of the Emperor, are you here to discuss military strategy again today?"

"Yes, it is about military strategy," Ma Xun replied proactively. "If you aren't interested, you may return to your study to review your books. I can just discuss it with your brother."

Liu Lian did not stand on ceremony; the arrival of unwanted guests was something everyone understood well enough. Ma Xun was not only there to seek advice on military strategy from Liu Jing but also to see Liu Shuning. It was a breach of etiquette—they were not even officially betrothed, yet he frequented the Censor-in-Chief's residence regardless of whether he had business or not.

Liu Jing, dressed in a scholar’s robe, bowed and cupped his hands. "My apologies for the neglect, Your Excellency."

Ma Xun turned serious. "Brother, your talents would be wasted if not applied on the battlefield. You have aspirations to distinguish yourself in military service, do you not?"

Liu Jing replied immediately, "What man of worth does not dream of making a name for himself and achieving high rank? Though my talents are meager, I too have a desire to serve the country."

However, Liu Jing then gave a bitter smile. "Your Excellency must know that my father is a man of eastern Zhejiang."

The commanders under Zhu Yuanzhang were as numerous as clouds, and they were not all from Huai-Xi; they came from all over. Yet, the basic structure of the court had already taken shape. Li Shanchang, Xu Da, and the other Huai-Xi men were tightly knit and held an extremely close relationship with the Emperor; this was the embryonic form of the military nobility. Meanwhile, the men of eastern Zhejiang, represented by Liu Bowen, were mostly civil officials and had poor relations with the military lords. If Liu Jing were to join the army, he would be suppressed at every turn from the very start.

Ma Xun naturally understood this. He pressed further, "If I were to have you join the army with me, do you think the Censor-in-Chief would be reluctant?"

Liu Jing caught on and asked tentatively, "Your Excellency is already gaining experience in the military. If you were to appoint me as your staff officer, my father surely would not object."

Ma Xun beamed. "So you are willing to join the army? Good. If we were to head north, would you be willing?"

"Naturally, I would! I simply lacked the opportunity before," Liu Jing said, filled with excitement. "Now that the imperial court is engaged in a great war with the Yuan, if I miss this, I fear I shall never have another chance."

These were things obvious to any discerning eye. Although the Yuan Dynasty had retreated to the steppes, they still possessed significant strength. The Northern Expedition had not yet ended. If the forces led by Xu Da succeeded, the Ming would have no formidable enemies left, save for the separatist forces in the southwest.

For Liu Jing, a lifetime of study with nowhere to apply it would surely lead to inner turmoil. He had never had a chance before—there was simply no place for him in the military—but now, things might be different. Do not be fooled by the fact that the Emperor's brother-in-law had never led troops and truly lacked military talent; he had status. As the brother of the Empress, that identity was enough to make the proud and fierce generals of the army show him respect.

While they were talking, Liu Shuning approached with tea. "Is Your Excellency going on an expedition?"

Ma Xun smiled. "I am leaving in a few days, but I am merely going to reward the army; it can hardly be called an expedition."

Despite her concern, Liu Shuning said, "Then I wish you a triumphant return."

"The army has already triumphed; I am just delivering some grain, fodder, and wine," Ma Xun said with a laugh. "Besides, Mu Ying is coming along. I am just there to announce an imperial decree; I have no chance to kill enemies."

Both Liu Jing and Liu Shuning believed Ma Xun was telling the truth. The Emperor and Empress had no reason to send him to lead the Northern Expedition. They could see that Ma Xun did not understand military affairs; the Ming had countless proud and fierce generals, and they certainly did not need this brother-in-law to lead them. Furthermore, anyone with eyes could see the Emperor and Empress’s affection for him. The gifting of a mansion was merely external; the fact that the princes frequented his residence was the best proof.

Ma Xun continued with a smile, "I am shallow in talent and useless in both literature and war; His Majesty finds me vexing to look at. He is giving me a chance to show my face so that the world won't laugh at me."

Liu Jing laughed and disagreed. "Your Excellency’s medical skills are superb; everyone in the capital knows it. If not for your noble status, the threshold of your door would have been worn down by those seeking treatment."

This was an exaggeration, but some believed it. Rumor had it that the brother-in-law had cured the Empress and the Crown Prince of their respiratory ailments. That was a serious illness; many felt a chill just hearing the name.

Ma Xun was self-aware. "If they really came knocking, they would surely leave disappointed. I have no real medical skill; I know that in my heart."

Both Liu Jing and Liu Shuning felt Ma Xun was being too humble. His medical skills had been recognized by the doctors of the Imperial Hospital. Even if he were only skilled in treating respiratory ailments, that was a remarkable feat. The doctors of the Imperial Hospital each had their own specialties; not everyone could treat every disease.

Ma Xun looked at Liu Jing and said earnestly, "Then it is settled! I will find a way to have you transferred to the military in these next two days. You should prepare yourself to head north with me."

Liu Jing stood up and said solemnly, "Your Excellency is too kind. Serving in the military is indeed my ambition."

Ma Xun laughed happily. Although he would likely not be on the battlefield killing enemies, it was wise to make preparations. A man with many skills is never weighed down; having a few reliable people under one's command was never a bad thing.

Just as Ma Xun returned to his mansion, Mu Ying came to find him. "Uncle, are you prepared for the expedition?"

"Are you here to mock me?" Ma Xun said, quite displeased. "I am only following an imperial decree to reward the army; you insist on calling it the Northern Expedition. You know better than I do what is actually going on, don't you?"

Mu Ying quickly replied, "Uncle, this is indeed the Northern Expedition. Rewarding the troops and transporting supplies are major tasks. His Majesty made you the commander because he values your steady hand."

Ma Xun initially thought this made sense, but then he felt something was wrong. "Wait, wait—made me the commander? Isn't it said that you are the main commander?"

Mu Ying said with a straight face, "Naturally, you are the commander, and I am the deputy commander to assist you."

A mascot.

Ma Xun instantly understood his situation. "Making me the commander... His Majesty really thinks highly of me. In that case, you, as the deputy commander, shall handle everything; I approve of it all."

Mu Ying became even more serious. "I shall strictly follow your orders, Uncle!"

Ma Xun then said, "The Censor-in-Chief's second son is quite talented. I would like to recruit him as a staff officer. Is that possible?"

"Of course, why wouldn't it be?" Mu Ying said without a second thought. "I will go issue the order to recruit him as a military advisor."

It was truly a matter of a single word; Ma Xun’s status as the brother-in-law of the Emperor was indeed useful. Most importantly, Mu Ying understood that such an arrangement was harmless, so he handled it with ease. Mu Ying was the deputy, but everyone knew whose opinion would prevail if something actually happened. Only someone like Mu Ying, who was fiercely loyal to the Emperor and Empress, would willingly accept the arrangement of doing all the work while Ma Xun took the credit.

The work was done by him, but the benefits were reaped by the brother-in-law, Ma Xun. Even thinking about it made him blush—an uncle stealing his nephew’s merit. This might just be the beginning; he was stealing Mu Ying’s credit now, and later, he might be stealing Li Wenzhong’s.

Thinking of this, Ma Xun’s dark face began to heat up. Such a shameless business, and now, it was all arranged.