Ming Dynasty: Zhu Biao's younger brother, the most rebellious son in history

Chapter 78 The Second Prince Heads to the North! The Great General of the Northern Expedition!

The Imperial Censor wanted to continue to confront Zhu Kai, but he didn't expect Zhu Kai to step forward and stand in front of him, looking down at him: "What? Do you have any objections?"

Looking at Zhu Kai standing in front of him, the Imperial Censor could not help but swallow his saliva. Just think... a big villain who is known as a "scourge" himself, standing in front of him with a body like a bear, looking at him ferociously, who can help but not be afraid?
Zhu Kai fought from outside the Fengtian Palace to inside the palace. When the lackey Hu Weiyong saw Zhu Kai, he was full of energy. When he saw Zhu Kai confronting the Imperial Censor, Hu Weiyong became even more active. He shouted directly at Zhu Kai: "Second Prince, in my opinion, this fellow is the great traitor in the Biography of Traitorous Ministers. This kind of traitor... you have really stained your hands by taking action, so just let me down!"

As he said this, Hu Weiyong was about to rush forward to express his loyalty to Zhu Kai...which made Zhu Yuanzhang's scalp tingle.

These two guys just came up and did things I have never seen before. Are they trying to turn the palace for the grand court meeting into a martial arts arena?
"enough!"

Zhu Yuanzhang roared and slammed the documents on the table: "Hu Weiyong, have you had enough of this?"

Hu Weiyong, who was about to raise his jade scepter to beat the "traitor", stopped immediately after hearing Zhu Yuanzhang's words. It was not that he did not want to beat him, but he wanted to answer the angry Zhu Yuanzhang: "Your Majesty, how can you say that we are making trouble? We are in the Fengtian Hall to eliminate the traitors for your Majesty. This is to show that our Ming Dynasty is prosperous. This time, the second prince will go to the northern border and will surely succeed!"

"As for this fellow, he is just a villain who sneaked into the court. What's the point of keeping such a treacherous official in the court? He is a complete waste of money from the national treasury!"

The word "kill" was mentioned in every three sentences. The Imperial Censor was already confused. He was really afraid that he would be killed by Zhu Kai and his lackey Hu Weiyong.

What’s the point of standing out if you’ve lost your life?
He looked around, trying to find a life-saving straw, but in the end he found that people around him were avoiding his gaze and there was no one to help him.

When the Imperial Censor could not find a lifeline, it was the good old man Wang Guangyang who stood up and spoke for him: "Prime Minister Hu, we are discussing the Northern Expedition. This matter is of great importance. Prime Minister Hu, please do not make trouble."

Hu Weiyong didn't take Wang Guangyang's words to heart, but looked at Zhu Kai and found that Zhu Kai had no intention of killing anyone, so he took advantage of the situation and said nonchalantly: "Since Prime Minister Wang has spoken, I will not make any more trouble. We will talk about his affairs later."

The Imperial Censor, who had just thought he had grasped a life-saving straw, couldn't help but clamp his legs together again after hearing Hu Weiyong's words.

Over the years, there have been countless officials who have been defeated by Hu Weiyong. They were all people who had offended Zhu Kai. Wouldn't it be impossible for me to escape his clutches?
The Imperial Censor began to panic again, but now everyone's attention was not on him, but on Zhu Kai.

Zhu Kai, you caused such a big fuss the first time you appeared at a grand court assembly. What will happen in the future?

Even if he was eager to save his brother, he couldn't do this.

Are you treating the court as a vegetable market?

……

The court was completely silent. Zhu Kai strode forward proudly and walked to the front: "Your son Zhu Kai, pays respects to your father!"

When Zhu Yuanzhang heard Zhu Kai's self-introduction, his hands on the armrest couldn't help but curl up. It was not because he was surprised by Zhu Kai's appearance, but because of Zhu Kai's address.

My son...

This was a name that Zhu Kai had never used before. At this moment, Zhu Yuanzhang's heart couldn't help but tighten. He suddenly had a feeling that after he schemed against Zhu Kai this time, things between him and Zhu Kai would no longer be the same as before.

Zhu Yuanzhang looked a little gloomy, but he had no choice. For the sake of the eternal stability of the Zhu family's Ming Dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang could only let his best son stand up.

He thought so in his heart, but he couldn't do this in the court. Zhu Kai had seriously violated the rules of the court.

The Zhu family's young tiger is still too young!

The rules of the court have been passed down for thousands of years or even longer. How can you just say you don't want to follow them when they have been in place for such a long time?

Even Zhu Yuanzhang had to abide by the rules when faced with court rules.

Of course, there were times when the rules were not followed, but Zhu Yuanzhang had a good grasp of the "degree". Generally speaking, he would not abuse his imperial privileges, and even if the officials had objections, they were not very serious.

"Humph! You still know that you are a subject!"

Zhu Yuanzhang looked very angry, and began to stand on the side of the officials, rebuking Zhu Kai: "You are the head of the family and the head of the royal clan, but I never said that you can trample on the court at will!"

All the officials were shocked when they heard this. Oh my... has the dictator Zhu Yuanzhang finally learned to respect his court officials?

And he was even targeting his most beloved Zhu Kai... Doesn't this mean that Zhu Kai has lost the emperor's favor?
All the officials seemed to be energized and were extremely spirited.

"Oh, this is my first time attending court, so I don't quite understand. I'll understand next time."

Zhu Kai curled his lips and acted along with Zhu Yuanzhang: "I will definitely do that next time."

All the officials looked at Zhu Yuanzhang eagerly, hoping that he would reprimand Zhu Kai for his actions. However, Zhu Yuanzhang seemed to know nothing and had no intention of punishing Zhu Kai at all. All the officials were a little confused.

This, this is it?

Definitely next time?
Just four simple words like this?

Your Majesty, you cannot be a tyrant, Your Majesty!
How could you disregard the court rules and allow Zhu Kai to trample on them at will?

Zhu Yuanzhang didn't care about that. After hearing Zhu Kai's words that he would definitely do it next time, he stopped caring and asked Zhu Kai in a pretentious manner, "What are you doing here?"

"My third and fourth brothers are still young. They cannot take on the responsibility of guarding the border, so I will go to the north on their behalf and destroy the Ni Yuan!"

Zhu Kai looked at Zhu Yuanzhang and directly stated his request: "This time, I will lead the Northern Expedition General myself to save the soldiers in the northern border."

"Your Majesty!"

Chang Mao stood up and said to Zhu Yuanzhang: "The general for this northern expedition is Lan Yu, appointed by your majesty. It is unlucky to change the general in the middle of a battle!"

Zhu Yuanzhang also fell silent.

Chang Mao was telling the truth. Lan Yu had already been appointed as the General of the Northern Expedition.

It’s all this rebellious son’s fault. Why didn’t he come earlier?
If he had come yesterday, would we still need Lan Yu to lead the troops today?
After hearing this, Lan Yu looked at Zhu Kai with complacency and said, "Even if you go to the northern border, you will still be a general under my command."

"Miss Lan Yulan?"

Zhu Kai curled his lips and looked at Chang Mao: "I said, Lan Yu is ill and can't go to the North."

"nonsense!"

Chang Mao directly rebuked, "General Lan Yu is in good health and has been on the battlefield for a long time. He is the best candidate for the general of Zhengbei University."

"is it?"

When Zhu Kai saw Lan Yu, a smile appeared on his face.

But when Lan Yu saw Zhu Kai's smile, she only felt cruelty.

Why is this smile so unfriendly?

Suddenly, Lan Yu seemed to have thought of something and his expression suddenly became nervous.

The first reaction is: run!

He reacted quickly, but Zhu Kai reacted even faster.

Zhu Kai took a step forward and suddenly accelerated.

One step, two steps, three steps... three steps, and he had already stepped in front of Lan Yu, then he raised his right elbow and hit it hard on the back of Lan Yu who was about to run.

Then, all the civil and military officials in the court saw that Lan Yu flew up from the ground like a kite with a broken string, then fell heavily to the ground, his body twitching, and then he became motionless.

"..."

"..."

"..."

When all the civil and military officials in the court saw this, they couldn't help but feel their scalps tingling.

Even Chang Mao's face turned dark at this moment, and then it became like this.

You said Lan Yu was unwell, so he is unwell now, right?

Zhu Yuanzhang's face showed no anger but joy!
You are worthy of being the young tiger of the Zhu family!

However, Zhu Yuanzhang immediately realized that his laughter was a bit inappropriate in this situation.

The rising star in the army was knocked away by Zhu Kai's elbow, and it happened in the hall, in front of all the civil and military officials...

Zhu Yuanzhang couldn't help but get excited again, and he couldn't help but clapped his hands that were holding the handrails.

You are worthy of being the young tiger of the Zhu family!
These ministers in the court need someone like Zhu Kai who doesn't follow the rules to force them and scare them.

Ahem... I can't be too happy, because I am standing with the ministers now.

Yuan Qi stood aside and praised Zhu Kai for his work. He then quickly arranged for the imperial guards to carry Lan Yu out and find an imperial physician to treat him.

"I said, Lan Yu is ill and cannot go to the North."

"Who is in favor? Who is against?"

Zhu Kai stood in the court and looked around at the courtiers. His bear-like body was taller than any of the officials even when he was not standing on the steps. Zhu Kai's eyes swept over everyone, making people dare not look him in the face.

"Oh, by the way, I'm still young and I've never led troops into battle before. I need a capable and skilled general to lead me, right?"

Zhu Kai looked at the group of generals in the court and said with a smile: "Who is willing to be my general?"

None of the generals dared to speak.

It’s not that he doesn’t have blood, but the last person who wanted to be Zhu Kai’s boss, Lan Yu, had fallen ill and was carried away from the court.

It would be a worthy death to die on the battlefield wrapped in the hide of a horse, but to be killed by Zhu Kai in the court would be a vain death, and might even become a laughing stock.

Moreover, Zhu Kai only used one elbow!
Think about your own body... Can you withstand Zhu Kai's elbow?

This guy is a born rebel and only targets his immediate superior.

The generals were silent.

No one dared to be Zhu Kai's general.

"Zheng Guogong?"

Zhu Kai looked at Chang Mao and said with a smile: "You are the son of Master Yuchun, so a good father should have a good son. Why don't you be the general and lead me?"

"..."

Chang Mao's dark face had turned purple.

He could do it, but looking at Zhu Kai's appearance, he felt that he would be in trouble soon.

Even if you are in good health, you will be in trouble once you leave the court, and you may even lose your life.

However, Zhu Kai didn't want to let him go, and walked towards Chang Mao step by step: "Chang Mao, I think you can do it."

Do you think I can do it?
That means it is not possible!
Chang Mao felt extremely humiliated, but in order to avoid ending up like Zhu Kai, Chang Mao had to admit defeat: "I have a cold and cannot lead the troops!"

"Oh, you can't either."

Zhu Kai's words were full of disdain for Chang Mao, but he didn't take him seriously. He then looked at the other generals and said with disdain, "You guys are no longer good. When we were chatting before, didn't you say you were good at fighting? Have you become rusty after not fighting for a few years?"

"..."

The general pretended not to hear what Zhu Kai said.

Zhu Gang, who had been acting as a tool in the front, saw Zhu Kai acting so powerful and outstanding in the court. He had long forgotten the unpleasantness of being a tool. He stood up happily and shouted to Zhu Kai: "Second brother, I can lead the army! Can I follow you to the northern border?"

"Fuck off!"

Zhu Kai glared at Zhu Gang unhappily and threatened him very frankly: "Do you also want to be like Miss Lan?"

"..."

Zhu Gang immediately calmed down, "Uh, I just caught a cold and I'm not feeling well."

Sorry to bother you, brother.

You continue to act cool, and I'll just stand there obediently.

"There have been no battles for so many years, and you have all become lazy. How can this be allowed? The Ming Dynasty is surrounded by powerful enemies. As military commanders, you should be prepared for danger in times of peace and protect the country. You cannot be lazy like this."

After Zhu Kai finished speaking, he looked at Zhu Yuanzhang and said, "Father, I have seen that the generals of the Ming Dynasty are slack. I request that you appoint a Grand Marshal of the Army and a Grand Commander-in-Chief to reorganize the army!"

"I beg you, father, to set up a military academy, and I will be the principal of the academy. I will select generals from the army to be his lecturers and teach the generals of the Ming Dynasty how to lead an army!"

The generals had just been dejected by Zhu Kai's ridicule, but after hearing Zhu Kai's words, they all perked up.

What does it mean?
Do you want to elevate the status of military generals?
Most of these military generals followed Zhu Yuanzhang to conquer the world. They might bully others or live extravagantly, but they would not rebel.

However, since these people have soldiers under their command, Zhu Yuanzhang will always be wary of them. The military generals are also aware of these problems. The only way to dispel their doubts is to give up the military power in their hands, but they are reluctant to give up the military power, after all, power moves people's hearts.

The generals wanted to dispel Zhu Yuanzhang's doubts, but did not want to give up the power in their hands. They were worrying about what to do. Suddenly, Zhu Kai came up with a solution.

By establishing the Grand Marshal's Office and running a military academy, Zhu Yuanzhang was able to gain control of the military power without having to give up the power.

The general immediately became happy and looked at Zhu Kai with kindness.

He is worthy of being the second prince whom we have watched grow up since childhood.

Just know how to feel sorry for people!
Chang Mao heard Zhu Kai's words and did not object.

He would be happy to see the emperor as the commander-in-chief of the army.

After all, the future of the Ming Dynasty belongs to Zhu Biao. Zhu Yuanzhang is now the commander-in-chief of the army, and Zhu Biao will also be one in the future.

Why not agree to such a good thing?

A good thing, a great thing.

After hearing Zhu Kai's words, Zhu Yuanzhang didn't understand what Zhu Kai meant for a while, but after thinking about it for a while, Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes lit up.

Can we be a master too?
In the past, Zhu Yuanzhang was born into a peasant family and had never been to school. Later, when he became the head of the family, Zhu Yuanzhang began to worship teachers and asked them to teach him how to read.

It can be said that many of the civil officials and advisers who followed Zhu Yuanzhang to conquer the world were Zhu Yuanzhang's teachers.

Now, Zhu Yuanzhang has become the emperor and no longer needs a teacher, but Zhu Yuanzhang has always wondered if he can become a teacher one day.

Unexpectedly, his dream was realized with the help of Zhu Kai.

Zhu Yuanzhang believed that he had the ability to be a teacher to the military generals. After all, he had participated in battles both big and small, and had fought in both advantageous and disadvantageous situations. It could be said that he was a veteran of many battles.

I go to the Military Academy to be a teacher. Won't the military generals of the Ming Dynasty remember this master-disciple relationship?
Zhu Yuanzhang was so handsome!
As expected, he is the Zhu family's young tiger!
As expected, he is the Zhu family's young tiger!
Our most caring son!

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Zhu Kai happily and found Zhu Kai pleasing to the eye no matter how he looked at him.

The generals knelt down and said to Zhu Yuanzhang: "We second the proposal."

Wow!
The civil officials also knelt down.

"I object!"

The status of military generals was raised, which in disguise deprived them of their interests as civil officials. The power given to them by Zhu Yuanzhang was originally very limited. If you military generals get more profits, wouldn't we get less?

Naturally, they would not agree to such a thing!
Wang Guangyang was the first to bear the brunt of the criticism. He said to Zhu Yuanzhang: "Your Majesty, I have heard that it is not reasonable to conquer the world on horseback, but it is not reasonable to rule the world on horseback. It is unwise to establish a Grand Military Governor's Office."

"I second the proposal!"

"I also second the proposal!"

"..."

The general immediately frowned.

One of the twenty-four generals of Huaixi, the hot-tempered Zheng Yuchun looked at the civil officials and said, "You damned bastards! The Ming Dynasty has been established for five years, and now the remnants of the Yuan Dynasty have not yet been cleared in the northern border. Your Majesty doesn't count on us, but on you, a bunch of weak scholars?"

"Come, come, come, after the court session, I will give you the swords and let you follow the Second Prince to fight, okay?"

"Don't wait until the next court session, let's fight now. Come on all of you, I'll beat you all."

Since logic doesn't make sense, let's just show off our force.

They just didn't believe that this group of civil servants could have any military power.
Seeing the court in chaos like a vegetable market, Zhu Yuanzhang glanced at Zhu Kai and cursed in his heart: "You rebellious son, you have caused us trouble!"

"Okay, stop arguing!"

Zhu Yuanzhang interrupted the quarrel between the civil officials and the military officers and said, "It's settled that the Grand Military Governor's Office should be established. After all, there are still enemies in the north. The main purpose of establishing the Grand Military Governor's Office is to prevent these assassins from slacking off. We should urge them first and then talk about it after the war, right?"

After saying this, Zhu Yuanzhang did not wait for the civil officials to continue to object, and directly changed the subject, pushing Zhu Kai out: "Let's talk about the Northern Expedition General first. The second prince is going to the northern border. What do you think?"

"Prime Minister Wang, you speak first."

Wang Guangyang said very rationally: "I think the Second Prince's proposal is reasonable, but the Second Prince has never been on the battlefield. After he goes to the northern border, he should immediately return to Feng Sheng's camp and obey the orders of Duke Song. With the Second Prince's bravery, it should not be a problem to save Duke Wei from danger."

"Prime Minister Wang, I don't agree with what you said."

Hu Weiyong immediately retorted, "What do you mean by that? Our Second Prince is a man of great virtue, both civil and military. He is second to none in the world. He can command the entire northern border army! How can he be under someone else's command?"

After saying that, Hu Weiyong looked at Zhu Kai and said, "Second Prince, Prime Minister Wang said that you can only be a vanguard, not a commander!"

Wang Guangyang looks down on you!
As for Wang Guangyang, he no longer wanted to bother with Hu Weiyong, this lackey.

Damn it, this is so infuriating.

It's clearly not what was said, so do you have to misinterpret the meaning?
A lackey is a lackey.

Traitor!

The traitor is in power!

Even Wang Guangyang, a good-natured man, couldn't help but want to kill Hu Weiyong.

And what about Zhu Kai?

Zhu Kai ignored Hu Weiyong.

Do you think I need to take action for something that can be solved by your lackey?

"Okay, don't make any noise!"

Zhu Yuanzhang interrupted everyone and said to Zhu Kai, "Zheng Yuchun is the General of the Northern Expedition, and you are the Deputy General. You will lead 50,000 troops to the northern border and serve under Feng Sheng. You will follow Feng Sheng's orders." Then Zhu Yuanzhang said, "Zhu Chong and Zhu Gang, go to the northern border together. I will let..."

"no!"

Before Zhu Yuanzhang could finish his words, Zhu Kai interrupted him and said, "Third and fourth brothers, you are not allowed to go to the northern border!"

I disagree!

Zhu Yuanzhang's face turned dark and he looked at Zhu Kai with an unfriendly look.

Zhu Yuanzhang felt at ease with Zhu Kai leading the troops. As for his bravery, no one in the Ming army could match him.

However, Zhu Chong and Zhu Gang must also go.

As for the reason, it is also very simple.

Yesterday, their mother was disrespectful to Ma Xiuying, and Zhu Yuanzhang was very unhappy. He needed to punish Concubine Li Shu in this way.

Moreover, Zhu Yuanzhang could be sure that the Qin and Jin regions were unlikely to encounter danger, and sending two more capable and skilled generals there would be just a formality for Zhu Chong and Zhu Gang to go to their fiefdoms.

Besides, what would happen if we let them go?
In the future, their fiefdom will be there, and they can go there to understand the situation.

Who knew that Zhu Kai would actually object.

Who am I doing this for?

Isn't it just to help Ma Xiuying vent her anger?
How could this guy not appreciate a good person's kindness?

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Zhu Kai and said, "They are the kings of Qin and Jin, we must go!"

Zhu Yuanzhang pointed at Zhu Chong and Zhu Gang and said, "Ask them if they are willing to go."

Zhu Chong and Zhu Gang didn't want to go at first, but since Zhu Kai had gone, they also wanted to go to the northern border for some fun.

Besides, it would be great to be away from Yingtian Prefecture.

"My son is willing!"

Zhu Chong and Zhu Gang agreed together.

"I said, no!"

Zhu Kai looked at Zhu Yuanzhang, then at Zhu Chong and Zhu Gang: "I am the head of the family, if I say no, it means no!"

"..."

Zhu Yuanzhang really wanted to take back Zhu Kai's title of head of the family.

Your father isn't dead yet, and you want to be the head of the family?
However, Zhu Yuanzhang was very conflicted. If he deprived Zhu Kai of the position of the head of the Zhu family, it would be extremely difficult to get Zhu Kai to contribute in the future.

Zhu Yuanzhang was very conflicted, and he began to want to beat his son.

Forget it, let’s not discuss it anymore.

"Dismiss the dynasty!"

Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand and no longer mentioned whether Zhu Chong and Zhu Gang would go to the front line, as if this incident had never happened.

When the civil and military officials saw Zhu Yuanzhang leaving, they didn't want to stay here any longer, so they knelt down according to the rules and left.

Zhu Kai's going north is a foregone conclusion, and any opposition is useless. However, this is also a good thing, at least Zhu Biao doesn't have to go to the northern border again.

Thinking about it this way, it wasn't a bad thing for Zhu Kai to come here to cause trouble this time.

However, people still need to be wary of Zhu Kai, after all, he is actually involved in the affairs of the court.

……

Zhu Chong and Zhu Gang returned to Concubine Li's palace in a depressed mood. Concubine Li was still angry that Zhu Yuanzhang wanted them to go to the front line. In addition, her two sons did not appreciate her kindness and instead blamed her. This made Concubine Li more determined not to let them go to the fiefdom while scolding her two stupid sons.

We must not let them go, otherwise these two stupid sons will have to be left there.

The two of them have no foundation in the court, so they can only be puppets if they go there.

Zhu Chong and Zhu Gang came to Concubine Li Shufei, and Zhu Chong said, "Mother, let's call off the trip to the northern border. We don't need to go."

"Ok?"

When Concubine Li Shu heard Zhu Chong's words, she immediately became alert, but she was also quite surprised.

Zhu Yuanzhang has decided to let the two go to Qin and Jin. Who can easily change the decision made by Zhu Yuanzhang?

Why did the final result change after just one night?

Concubine Li Shu grabbed Zhu Chong and Zhu Gang's hands and asked anxiously, "What's going on? How could your father change his mind so easily?"

Moreover, Concubine Li knew Zhu Yuanzhang's character very well. He was petty and vindictive.

When I begged Zhu Yuanzhang in front of the Wuying Palace, I hinted at Ma Xiuying. How could Zhu Yuanzhang easily let me, Zhu Chong and Zhu Gang go?
will not.

So who changed Zhu Yuanzhang's mind?

The prince is not in the capital. Could it be that some important official in the court, for the sake of his father's face, spoke up for them?
"It's the second brother."

Zhu Gang said, "My second brother volunteered to go to the northern border. Dad wanted me and my third brother to go, but my second brother stopped us. In the end, Dad was so angry that he didn't even attend the court meeting and just walked away."

Zhu Chong also said: "This time, my second brother has offended my father badly."

Concubine Li Shu never expected that the person who would speak up for her two stupid sons in the end was Zhu Kai, the one who bullied them the most.

Zhu Kai, shouldn't he just be there to watch the fun? Why would he take the initiative to stand up and speak up for his two stupid sons?
Concubine Li Shu was a little confused, but there was one thing she perhaps understood, that was Zhu Kai was not as vicious as she imagined. Perhaps... this was the relationship between boys, always different from others.

After thinking for a long time, Concubine Li Shu still couldn't figure out why Zhu Kai wanted to help her two stupid sons.

Logically speaking, Zhu Kai and Zhu Biao are the closest to each other, and they are twin brothers from the same mother. If Zhu Chong and Zhu Gang do not do well, this is what Zhu Kai should be willing to see.

Don’t believe any claims that Zhu Kai helped Zhu Chong and Zhu Gang in order to leave a good reputation for himself.

Totally impossible.

There was no need for Zhu Kai to risk offending Zhu Yuanzhang by speaking for his two younger brothers, not to mention that this was a major matter that would change Zhu Yuanzhang's mind.

Concubine Li Shu couldn't understand the feelings of Zhu Kai and other brothers, but this did not prevent her from thanking Zhu Kai: "You two, no matter what happens in the future, don't forget that it was the Second Prince who helped you this time. If you encounter danger in the future, you can help, don't sit idly by."

After hearing this, Zhu Chong and Zhu Gang did not agree.

Especially Zhu Gang, who is now a complete fanboy of Zhu Kai and is ready to surpass Zhu Di: "Who is my second brother? Does he need our help? Mother, don't think so. There is nothing in the world that my second brother can't do. As his younger brothers, we can just not cause trouble for him, but how can we help him?"

Zhu Chong nodded beside him: "Fourth brother is right."

"..."

Concubine Li Shu didn't know what to say. Her two stupid sons were so stupid.

……

At this time, inside Kunning Palace.

Zhu Kai was acting coquettishly in front of Ma Xiuying, begging her to change her attitude.

"Mom, please don't be silent. Your son is going to be a general in the Northern Expedition. You should be happy."

Zhu Kai sat next to Ma Xiuying, moving back and forth.

But no matter where Zhu Kai was, Ma Xiuying would turn her head to the other side.

I don't want to bother with Zhu Kai.

Seeing Ma Xiuying so angry, Zhu Kai couldn't help but push Zhu Yuanzhang out: "Mom, you can't blame me for becoming the General of the Northern Expedition. It's all my father's fault. He watched me grow up, and no one in the Ming Dynasty could match my martial arts, so he pushed me out and made me serve the Ming Dynasty. My father is such a wicked man that he even schemed against his own son. Mom, you have to take good care of him."

After hearing what Zhu Kai said, Ma Xiuying looked at Zhu Kai and said, "Your father plotted against you? Haha... You are smarter than a monkey when you get tangled up with fur, how can your father still plot against you? I think you want to be the general of the Northern Expedition, so you deliberately tried to get into the trap, right?"

"Uh……"

Zhu Kai was accidentally exposed by Ma Xiuying, and was very embarrassed: "Mom, it's not true, it's absolutely impossible... It's not good to suffer in the frontier without mom by my side."

As long as Ma Xiuying could talk to him, Zhu Kai would feel relieved.

"is it?"

Ma Xiuying sneered, and then said: "In that case, then you don't have to go. Your father has already written a letter to your eldest brother, asking him to go to the North when he comes back. You stay in the palace with me. I will cook for you every day."

"what?"

Zhu Kai was extremely unhappy when he heard what Ma Xiuying said. He also knew that Ma Xiuying didn't believe it at all, so he could only grumble in dissatisfaction: "Mom, you are too partial. Why can my elder brother do everything but I can't? My elder brother can go to the North, so can I. Moreover, I am more brave than my elder brother!"

"I am partial?"

Ma Xiuying casually picked up the wooden stick that she had prepared long ago, and Zhu Kai quickly jumped aside: "Mom, you are biased, and you won't let me say anything about it, right?"

"I am strong! With strength comes change! The remnants of the Yuan Dynasty in the north are nothing but chickens and dogs. I will definitely be able to kill them if I go there!"

Ma Xiuying looked at Zhu Kai as he spoke and gestured, and she was furious: "Get lost!"

"Go away!"

Zhu Kai turned and left, and Ma Xiuying was still sitting on the chair, sewing the soles of her shoes.

Not long after, Zhu Kai ran back and showed his head at the entrance of Kunning Palace: "Mom, I'm hungry."

Ma Xiuying ignored him, and Zhu Kai ran over with a licking face and sat obediently beside Ma Xiuying.

Zhang Cheng had already gone to arrange the meals, which was something Ma Xiuying had already arranged.

How could there be any overnight hatred between her and Zhu Kai?
After a while, Zhu Kai couldn't help but speak first: "Mom, I haven't spoken for an incense stick of time, do you want to suffocate me to death?"

"Mom, my dad has made all the arrangements. Master Zheng Yuchun will be the chief general, and I will be the deputy general. When we go to the northern border, we will serve under the command of Duke Song, who is my father-in-law. He is my father-in-law who has not yet married me. I will definitely listen to him, right? Otherwise, what if he doesn't marry his daughter to me?"

"Mom, if you have any plans, just tell me. I will obey you at that time. I promise to obey you."

After hearing Zhu Kai's long chatter, especially after hearing his assurance, Ma Xiuying finally put down her needlework and looked at Zhu Kai: "Are you sure?"

"Of course!"

Zhu Kai patted his chest and told Ma Xiuying seriously: "I promise, I promise to be obedient... If you don't believe me, I will let the Queen Mother's servants... uh, that is, Zhang Hao and Zhang Zhou go with me, it should be okay for them to go with me? With them watching over me, can you still be worried?"

Even if Zhu Kai didn't say it, Ma Xiuying would let Zhang Hao and Zhang Zhou follow Zhu Kai.

Zhang Hao and Zhang Zhou brought more than 3,000 troops with them, who were Ma Xiuying's absolute confidants. All of them were veterans who were good at fighting and could defeat ten enemies with one. With them around, Ma Xiuying could feel more at ease.

Looking at her son, Ma Xiuying couldn't help but think of Zhu Kai's childhood.

How come this child grew so big overnight?

"Kai'er, promise your mother that when you get to the front line, you must not take any risks. Listen to your uncle Feng. He is a veteran on the battlefield. If you follow him, you will be fine..."

"Uh-huh."

"When you are in the army, you need to control your character. You can't do whatever you want. This is absolutely not allowed..."

"Uh-huh."

"Don't run around..."

"Uh-huh."

"don't want……"

"Uh-huh."

Zhu Kai was very well behaved, just quietly listening to Ma Xiuying's chatter...

Soon, the food came, including hand-pulled lamb and some vegetarian dishes, all of which were Zhu Kai's favorite. Zhu Kai was eating with relish while holding the bones. Ma Xiuying was peeling garlic or shaving the meat and putting it into Zhu Kai's bowl, constantly telling Zhu Kai what he should pay attention to.

Zhu Kai ate the meat and nodded in agreement.

It was not until sunset that Zhu Kai was released from Kunning Palace by Ma Xiuying.

After Zhu Kai left, Zhang Cheng saw Ma Xiuying and said, "Miss, I want to go home. I need to make good arrangements for the two rebellious sons at home. I can't let them delay Kai'er's important affairs."

"Ah."

Ma Xiuying nodded and said, "Stay at home tonight, you don't have to come back."

"No need. I will come back after I settle the two rebellious sons and a few grandchildren at home. The young lady must have someone to serve her."

After saying this, Zhang Cheng slowly left the palace without waiting for Ma Xiuying to refuse.

……

Inside Wuying Hall.

Zhu Yuanzhang was also keeping a close eye on the news from Kunning Palace.

The longer time passed, the more anxious Zhu Yuanzhang became. He paced around the hall, rubbing his stomach and venting his dissatisfaction: "It's been a whole day, why hasn't that rebellious son come out yet?"

As for Zhu Kai's words of contradicting him on behalf of Zhu Chong and Zhu Gang, Zhu Yuanzhang had long forgotten them.

On the contrary, he really liked seeing Zhu Kai defending his two younger brothers like this.

As for Concubine Li Shu...haha, even without Zhu Kai, Zhu Yuanzhang could still deal with her.

Soon, Yuan Qi came back.

After telling Zhu Yuanzhang that Zhu Kai had left, he immediately left the Wuying Hall and walked quickly towards the Kunning Palace.

"Girl, we're back."

As soon as Zhu Yuanzhang entered Kunning Palace, he came to Ma Xiuying and complained: "Sister, you don't know, I am going to be mad at Kai'er, that rebellious son, today. He even disrupted the court meeting, injured our appointed General Lan Yu, and frightened the ministers... You don't know, I am going to lose face because of that rebellious son."

After she finished speaking, Ma Xiuying's expression remained unchanged. Zhu Yuanzhang, who had been paying attention to Ma Xiuying's expression, immediately realized that something was wrong. He hurriedly explained, "Sister, you can't blame me for this. That rebellious son wanted to go to the northern border. He wanted to go a long time ago, didn't he? This was his request, not because we sincerely wanted him to go."

"enough!"

After Zhu Yuanzhang finished speaking, Ma Xiuying looked at him and said, "Zhu Chongba, you schemed against your son like this, and you still have the nerve to put the blame on him? If you don't want him to go, just break his legs. Why bother putting on a show?"

Ma Xiuying looked as if to say, "Do you really think I don't understand?", which made Zhu Yuanzhang unable to find any excuses no matter how hard he tried.

"He is the second prince of the Ming Dynasty. How can he not go when the northern border is in danger?"

Zhu Yuanzhang was also very angry. He felt that Ma Xiuying did not understand him: "In this world, Kai'er and Biao'er are the most trustworthy. They are my right-hand men. Why can't Kai'er help me share the burden? He is the head of the Zhu family and the head of the royal clan. He should bear the responsibility!"

"hehe!"

When Ma Xiuying heard Zhu Yuanzhang speak out his true feelings, she sneered and ignored him.

Zhu Yuanzhang was so angry that he could only stand up and walk away: "Women's opinions!"

After saying that, Zhu Yuanzhang left, but when he reached the door, he turned back and sat in front of Ma Xiuying with a smile, just like Zhu Kai: "Sister, we were wrong... I will tell you directly if I have anything to say in the future, tell Kaier that I will not plot against him again, okay?"

Ma Xiuying didn't say anything, but her expression looked much better.

Zhu Yuanzhang breathed a sigh of relief. This hurdle was finally overcome. Then, with a smile, Zhu Yuanzhang said to Ma Xiuying, "Sister, I'm hungry. This hall smells so strongly of mutton. Do you want to eat mutton?"

"no!"

Ma Xiuying's face fell again, and she looked at Zhu Yuanzhang: "Do you think you can fool me by saying a few soft words? Zhu Chongba, am I that easy to fool?"

Zhu Yuanzhang was so frightened that he trembled: "I, I didn't fool you, what I said is true, sister."

Sincerely?

Ha ha!

Ma Xiuying didn't even want to explain to Zhu Yuanzhang, and said directly: "The palace is so big, you can just find a place to live. When Kai'er comes back, you can come back and live there."

"I... won't come if I don't want to!"

Zhu Yuanzhang immediately became anxious, but Ma Xiuying had made up her mind and he couldn't say anything even if he wanted to.

Just go!
Zhu Yuanzhang was about to leave Kunning Palace and go to Fengxian Hall to find Zhu Kai!
That rebellious son wants to go out and fight?
you can!

Let me go back to Kunning Palace first!
Zhu Yuanzhang had a good plan, but Ma Xiuying seemed to have expected that Zhu Yuanzhang would do this.

Before he even walked out of the door, he heard Ma Xiuying say from behind: "You are not allowed to bother Kai'er. If you dare to threaten Kai'er, you will never come to Kunning Palace again in your life!"

"..."

Zhu Yuanzhang paused for a moment, but still walked out: "If you don't want to come, then don't come."

Who hasn’t been a little grumpy yet?
There are so many beauties in the harem, we can go wherever we want!
So, on the night when Zhu Kai was appointed as the General of the Northern Expedition, Zhu Yuanzhang, the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty... slept alone.

……

Zhang Cheng had already returned home. He called his son and grandson over and told them that Zhu Kai was going to the war and that they should follow him.

After he finished speaking, Zhang Cheng continued, "Kai'er has already promised the Empress that he will listen to you when he goes out. You should write to her frequently and tell her about Kai'er. Do you know what to do?"

Zhang Hao had followed Zhu Kai to Huguang, so he was naturally very clear about Zhu Kai's character. When he heard Zhang Cheng's question, he immediately said, "Brother Kai led troops for the first time. He knew that he was incapable, so he listened to General Zheng's words and did not overstep his authority. Moreover, Brother Kai got along well with the soldiers, and his prestige was growing day by day."

Zhang Zhou looked at his brother who lied without blinking and was very puzzled.

Is the person he was talking about the same person as the Zhu Kai he knew?
Why did I hear that Zhu Kai was the number one playboy in Yingtian Prefecture and the number one disaster in the Ming Dynasty?
(End of this chapter)