Chapter 26: The Adopted Sons Brigade

It is a widely accepted fact in the capital that the gate of the Imperial Brother-in-Law’s mansion is difficult to cross. Ever since Ma Xun, the Imperial Brother-in-Law, arrived in the capital, people with various motives have sought a stepping stone to advancement. Unfortunately, to this day, apart from a few close associates, no one has been able to enter the mansion.

It is not just down-and-out scholars; even the families of high-ranking military generals or mid-to-high-level civil officials cannot get past the gate, let alone enjoy a cup of tea inside. However, news of the Imperial Brother-in-Law’s impending military expedition has stirred up many opportunists. He Da and his men stand guard like temple door gods, barring almost everyone.

Chang Mao came running like a gust of wind. The eldest son of the Duke of E rushed into the mansion under the envious gazes of many, and the fierce-looking guards did not dare to stop him. A moment later, Li Zhen arrived with Li Jinglong, and He Da and his men quickly stepped forward to help hold their horses.

Zhu Shuang and the others jumped off their horses, shouting noisily, "What are these people doing here?"

"The Imperial Brother-in-Law is going on an expedition, and they all want to join the army," He Da replied.

"Uncle isn't taking me, yet they want to tag along?" Zhu Gang said unhappily. "If Uncle took me, I would surely chase them to the grasslands and capture the Yuan Emperor alive!"

Zhu Shuang was also displeased. "In terms of seniority, I am the second brother, and in terms of ability, you can't compare to me either. Uncle should take me. A nephew serving as vanguard is the only way to win a battle!"

Zhu Di remained silent. If the second and third brothers could not get a chance to go to war, there was even less hope for him, the fourth.

The group swaggered into the mansion, leaving the people outside even more restless. If one could win the favor of the Imperial Brother-in-Law, there would truly be a chance to rise in the world.

Chang Mao handed a letter to Ma Xun, his face full of fawning. "My mother said that if you happen to run into my father, please give him this letter. Uncle, why don't you take me to war? You know my horsemanship, and I wield a blade quite well!"

"There is no need for a young lad like you to go to war; your amateur skills are not enough," Ma Xun dismissed him. "Wait until you are older. There will be plenty of opportunities for you to fight in the future."

Chang Mao became even more anxious. "The Tatars are almost wiped out! How could there be any war left by the time I grow up?"

The entire Ming Empire was brimming with confidence; having crushed several strong enemies in recent years, the army was invincible. The Yuan Tatars had been driven out of the Central Plains and were like grasshoppers at the end of autumn.

Ma Xun replied, "There will still be chances. The Yuan Tatars have remnants left; there will be wars to fight in the future. Practice your skills well, and you will be able to fight."

"Your skills aren't even as good as mine, Uncle!" the blunt Chang Mao retorted.

The truth is the sharpest blade, and Ma Xun was left speechless.

Li Jinglong, soft-voiced and plump, looked adorable. "Great Uncle," he chirped.

Li Zhen entered the room with a smile. "I wrote a letter to my family. Please give it to Bao’er if you meet him."

Ma Xun immediately took the letter. "Big Brother-in-Law, I honestly don’t know how to face Mu Ying and the others."

"They are your own nephews, there is no need for such formality," Li Zhen said with a smile. "Bao’er has always been grateful for the kindness of his uncle and aunt, so you needn't worry."

Zhu Shuang and the others ran over. Even though they knew it was impossible to join the expedition, they still held onto a glimmer of hope. They knew they wouldn't get their way if they asked the Emperor or Empress, but if their Uncle spoke for them, there might be a chance.

He Da suddenly ran in, beaming with joy. "Imperial Brother-in-Law, the Lady is here."

Ma Xun was stunned. "The Lady? Which lady?"

He Da rolled his eyes. "The Imperial Sister-in-law, of course! Does the Imperial Brother-in-Law have any other ladies?"

Ma Xun warned him, "Do not call her that carelessly. We haven't even exchanged betrothal gifts yet. It would be improper if outsiders heard."

He Da argued logically, "We are all family, that is why I said it!"

Before Ma Xun could go out, Madam Chang arrived with Liu Shuning. Seeing the room full of people—especially the children staring at her with curiosity—Liu Shuning blushed even more deeply.

"I went to the Puji Chan Temple yesterday to pray for blessings," she said, her face flushed. "I only wish for the Imperial Brother-in-Law's safety."

The Puji Chan Temple, also known as Jiming Temple, was built during the Western Jin Dynasty and had long been hailed as the "First Temple of the Southern Dynasties." Although Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang had purged Buddhist institutions after founding the Ming, most temples in the capital were moved to quiet areas outside the city walls; only the Puji Chan Temple on Jiming Mountain remained standing within the city.

Ma Xun smiled and accepted the silk pouch, which likely contained a good-luck charm. "I will keep it close to me; it will surely keep me safe."

Madam Chang smiled. "I told her as well, the Imperial Brother-in-Law will certainly achieve great things on this expedition without any danger. But Shuning was so sincere, it would be hard to stop her."

Li Zhen laughed heartily. "That is true. Born into a military family and favored by the Emperor, the master of the house should serve His Majesty. You are a thoughtful person, and the Imperial Brother-in-Law will surely return safe and sound."

"Aunt!" Zhu Shuang blurted out, "Why didn't you give my Uncle..."

Before Zhu Shuang could finish, Ma Xun covered the boy's mouth. "Are you looking for a beating?"

Liu Shuning’s face grew redder, and she took her leave after a slight bow. Being able to ask Madam Chang to bring her to the mansion was already quite bold; staying any longer would be improper.

Li Zhen was very pleased. "That girl is very thoughtful. You must treat her well once you are married."

"Big Brother-in-Law is right," Ma Xun laughed. "She is my future wife; I will certainly cherish her."

Zhu Shuang and the others looked at Ma Xun. As their father the Emperor often said, their uncle was indeed a man of propriety, but only just enough.

The expedition had yet to begin, but many had already come to see him off. This was perfectly normal. Since the army was departing early the next morning, there was no grand ceremony; they would simply set out when the time came. Ma Xun had to head to the military camp that very evening.

Once everything was packed, Ma Xun set out, escorted by He Da and his men, riding his horse and leading his donkey with a majestic air.

Upon arriving at the camp, Ma Xun immediately found Mu Ying. "There are two garrisons of troops now, which should be enough. But my skills are meager; how could I possibly lead so many men?"

Mu Ying understood the situation. "Uncle, do not worry. I will do my utmost to assist you. Guo Decheng, the Commander of the Imperial Guard, is a veteran of the Emperor's personal guard, as you know."

Ma Xun nodded. Although Guo Decheng loved his wine, he was truly capable.

"He Wenhui will also be here to assist," Mu Ying continued. "He is also an adopted son of His Majesty."

Ma Xun’s eyes lit up, then he asked, "And you will lead the Flying Bear Guard?"

"I will be your right-hand man, Uncle," Mu Ying replied. "The Commander of the Flying Bear Guard is Xu Sima, with Ping An assisting him. These two are also His Majesty’s adopted sons; they are both trustworthy."

Zhu Yuanzhang and Ma Xiuying had adopted twenty or thirty sons over the years. Some, like Mu Ying and Xu Sima, were orphans; others, like He Wenhui, were the orphaned children of fallen officers. Among these, many were outstanding, though some had already died for the founding of the Ming.

Ma Xun felt relieved. With the Emperor's four top adopted sons and a trusted personal guard, he didn't need to do much—he just needed to listen.

"Tell them to come over later," Ma Xun said immediately.

"Naturally," Mu Ying smiled. "Both for public and private reasons, they should come to pay their respects."

Although they were all adopted sons of the Emperor and Empress, the treatment varied; few were treated with the same affection as Mu Ying.

He Wenhui, Xu Sima, and Ping An strode in and knelt in unison. "Nephews pay their respects to Uncle."

The nephews were all older than him, but Ma Xun felt no awkwardness. "Rise. Why didn't you come to see me earlier?"

"Reporting to Uncle," He Wenhui replied, "we were all in the camp and could not leave. We ask for your understanding."

Ma Xun was blunt. "I am not well-versed in military affairs, so I will rely on Mu Ying's counsel for all matters. You are each to manage your own subordinates. Do you understand?"

He Wenhui and the others acknowledged the order. They knew Ma Xun’s situation and had no objections to Mu Ying acting as the de facto commander, as they were well aware of Mu Ying's capabilities.

Guo Decheng and Liu Jing watched from the side. This Imperial Brother-in-Law was quite decent. In the military, the thing feared most is a superior who pretends to know what they are doing, or a general who treats the lives of his soldiers as nothing.

The Imperial Brother-in-Law was excellent; he admitted his lack of military knowledge from the start and trusted his subordinates. That was a sign of a leader who knew how to use talent wisely.