The Ming Dynasty: The most ruthless imperial grandson, Old Zhu begged me not to kill him.

Chapter 136 The Matter of Lan Yu's Adopted Son: A Terrifying Thought

Upon hearing this, Chang Mao and the others' eyes lit up.

Who would want to live a life of idleness and waiting to die in the rear when they can fight on the battlefield?

In particular, Changsheng and Changsen were both highly skilled, so who would be willing to stay at home and not go out to seek merit? The two did not think they were inferior to Xu Yungong and the others, but their family already had a duke, so it would be difficult if they really made merit.

Now, after hearing Zhu Xiong Ying's words, the two of them also had some thoughts on their own.

“Brother, our Chang family has been keeping a low profile for so many years, and we’ve almost used up all our connections in the military. I’m afraid there aren’t many people in the Five Armies Command who recognize us brothers now. In that case, why don’t we give Xiong Ying a hand?”

Chang Sen, standing to the side, nodded and said indignantly.

"That's right. That Lady Lü was just a concubine. If my sister hadn't passed away, how could she have been so arrogant? And that Zhu Yunwen, a mere illegitimate son, does he think he can defy the heavens? How dare he bully Xiong Ying? Does he really think our Chang family has no one left?"

At this moment, Chang Mao had an idea in his mind.

If it were anything else, it wouldn't matter much, but when it involves Zhu Xiong Ying, things are not so simple.

He couldn't believe that Zhu Yunwen had no interest in that position.

If they had no ideas, they wouldn't have been so proactive in contacting those civil officials, or even attending court sessions to listen to government affairs.

Crown Prince Zhu Biao and Zhu Xiong Ying were the foundation of the Chang family.

If something happens to the two of them, it won't be easy for the Chang family to stay.

"Xiongying, since you've put it that way, we uncles can't really object. Don't worry, leave this to us. Although the three of us brothers aren't particularly skilled, we do have some basic fighting skills and can keep you safe by your side!"

Zhu Xiong Ying nodded in satisfaction upon hearing this. Being able to bring out his three uncles meant that his trip had not been in vain.

Just then, a loud, boisterous voice suddenly came from outside.

"Your Highness, you've come to the Duke of Zheng's residence to visit your uncle, how could you forget your great-uncle?"

Just then, a man burst in from outside, and it was none other than Lan Yu.

Looking at the long-haired creature in front of them, the three of them were furious.

"You three brats, it's one thing that Xiong Ying didn't come looking for me, but you three brats dared not even inform me! If I hadn't overheard about this on the road, I would still be completely in the dark!"

Chang Mao and the other two looked at Lan Yu with wry smiles.

"Uncle, what's the story behind this? Xiong Ying's arrival was so sudden, we didn't expect it either!"

Zhu Xiong Ying smiled and looked at Lan Yu as he spoke.

"Uncle, please take a seat!"

Lan Yu burst into laughter upon hearing this.

"You little brat, are you deliberately trying to frame me? You're the Crown Prince now, and you're even acting as regent. If I were sitting in front of you, I'd be torn to shreds by those censors tomorrow!"

Zhu Xiong Ying smiled; it was clearly a joke Lan Yu was playing. After Zhu Xiong Ying told Lan Yu that he had invited the three Chang brothers out, Lan Yu frowned.

Chang Yuchun inherited his connections, but if the three Chang brothers were to emerge, he would have to return some of them, which would significantly impact his influence.

Chang Mao saw Lan Yu's expression and knew what he was thinking.

"Uncle, rest assured, we have no intention of developing our careers in the army. We only hope to protect the safety of Xiong Ying. If we are to lead troops into battle in the future, we will definitely deal with those barbarians on the border. As for the connections in Yingtian Prefecture, they are doing quite well following you, Uncle. There is no need for them to have any connection with our Duke Zheng's Mansion!"

Lan Yu was immediately displeased upon hearing this.

"What nonsense are you spouting? We're all family, why are we talking like family? I'm telling you this: if you ever need anyone, just take them. Even if it's me, Lan Yu, wielding a knife, I, Lan Yu, won't even flinch!"

Zhu Xiong Ying smiled.

"Uncle, you're mistaken. You are you, and Uncle Changmao is Uncle Changmao. You can't confuse the two!"

"I've heard that my maternal uncle's adopted sons are all over the court and the country. If we add the support of the Duke of Zheng's mansion, their power would surpass even that of Duke of Wei, Xu Da. If they suddenly decide to rebel one day, it's not impossible."

Lan Yu was startled by Zhu Xiong Ying's words and stammered.

"Xiongying, don't scare your great-uncle. He's timid and has never had such thoughts before!"

Zhu Xiong Ying smiled mysteriously.

"That's not necessarily true. Back then, Zhao Kuangyin didn't intend to become emperor. It was his subordinates who made him wear the yellow robe. If one day your adopted sons wanted to make you a yellow robe, would you wear it or not?"

"I've heard that your maternal uncle has a good relationship with Marquis Dingyuan, Marquis Jingchuan, Marquis Wuding, and others. Do you think they might help you?"

Lan Yu was so frightened that she broke out in a cold sweat, feeling that her back was completely soaked.

He hadn't really thought about these things, but if such a thing really happened, how could he refuse? Besides, even if he refused, what difference would it make if he were forced to wear the yellow robe? Would Zhu Yuanzhang still trust him? What would be the outcome for him then? Chang Mao and the others were also startled. Although they knew that Lan Yu couldn't possibly rebel, the possibility wasn't out of the question. If that were the case, Zhu Yuanzhang's wariness of Lan Yu would definitely be much greater.

They might even deal with Lan Yu before passing the throne to Zhu Biao.

Lan Yu was so frightened that she trembled all over.

"Xiongying, you must believe your uncle. Your uncle really doesn't have the guts. Your uncle is really not cut out to be an emperor. I'm only good at fighting on the battlefield, but I'm really no good at anything else!"

Lan Yu felt extremely regretful. If he had known this meal would be so bad, why would he have come to join in the fun? Was the food at home not good anymore? At this moment, Lan Yu suddenly remembered what Xu Da had told him.

Thinking of this, Lan Yu gritted her teeth and said.

"Don't worry, Xiong Ying. We're all family. Although we sometimes make mistakes, we still know our limits. When we get back, I'll kick all those adopted sons out, and I'll sever all ties with the military officers in the court!"

Chang Mao and the other two were extremely surprised.

Lan Yu was very sentimental, especially his relationship with these adopted sons, which was extraordinary. They had talked to Lan Yu about the problems with these adopted sons before, but Lan Yu never took them seriously and even blamed them for thinking too much.

(End of this chapter)