My aunt is Queen Ma

Chapter 111 Brother Biao Makes a Move
"You're saying he compiled a military treatise himself so he could teach Chang Mao military strategy?"

Looking at the stack of papers in front of him, Zhu Yuanzhang asked in surprise.

Even with the 'military treatise' right in front of him, he still couldn't believe it, thinking he was hearing a joke.

What do you take military treatises for? Do you think you can just write them whenever you want?

He knew that Ma Yu was knowledgeable in military strategy; otherwise, he would not have been able to come up with the plan to occupy Liaodong and the Western Regions, forming a pincer movement to control the grasslands.

Understanding and writing are completely different concepts.

He even wrote a military treatise specifically for teaching students.

Why don't you just say that he was interested in becoming an immortal, so he wrote a method for achieving immortality?

Zhu Biao also didn't believe it, and said thoughtfully:

"Chang Mao is indeed a bit slow-witted. In order to help him understand the contents of the military book, his cousin chose famous historical battles as examples."

"Perhaps they misunderstood."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded in agreement. He had also heard about the matter and thought the Embroidered Uniform Guard spies had made a mistake.

The commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard below, Du Zhenrui, respectfully replied:
"At first, I also thought that the people below had misunderstood."

"But they replied that Duke Xu had compiled the examples he used in his lectures into a book."

"Out of caution, I ordered them to make a copy and bring it back. After examining it, I found that this book is indeed extraordinary."

"But I dare not be sure if it is a military treatise, so I can only present it to Your Majesty and ask Your Majesty to review it and make a decision."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang's expression gradually became serious.

Although Du Zhenrui was not a high-ranking general, he was a veteran who had fought his way up in the flames of war.

Moreover, how could someone who could become the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard be completely ignorant of military strategy?

His statement clearly indicates that this book is not simple.

Did Ma Yu really produce a military treatise?
Considering Ma Yu's consistently remarkable performance, he was somewhat uncertain.

He immediately picked up those pages and started reading.

The more he looked, the more serious his expression became.

Classic battles, detailed analysis.

If that were all, it wouldn't be worthy of being called a military treatise, since there are actually quite a few similar analyses.

Many generals also left notes.

However, these notes and insights are not systematic and cannot be considered a military treatise.

The key is that Ma Yu connected all the articles, forming a systematic whole.

The book currently has fourteen chapters, each of which is a scheme.

Ma Yu further divided it into six parts: strategies for winning battles, strategies for fighting the enemy, strategies for attacking, etc.

Each section has a general outline that explains its main points.

Every strategy is a detailed breakdown and explanation of the general principle.

Moreover, each part is not isolated, but rather interconnected.

Many strategies can be combined and used together.

This is no longer just a collection of personal reflections; it's clearly a military treatise.

His expression became even more serious.

Zhu Biao also noticed the change in his father's attitude and tentatively said:

"Father, this book..."

Zhu Yuanzhang didn't say anything, but simply handed him a stack of papers.

Zhu Biao quickly took it and looked through it, becoming more and more alarmed as he read.

This……

My cousin actually wrote a military treatise!!!
The key point is that he wrote a military treatise just to teach his disciples. Who would believe that if this were told?
Cousin, oh cousin, why are you so talented?

Zhu Biao finally understood why his father's expression had changed so much.

Having talent is not a flaw, but when talent exceeds a certain level, it will make people wary.

He knew his father's temperament all too well; his father trusted his family unconditionally.

However, he is particularly suspicious of people with different surnames.

His cousin was too capable, which aroused his apprehension.

Thinking about this, Zhu Biao couldn't help but feel a headache coming on.

The hunger strike had just ended, and everyone's relationship had finally improved. The Duke had also been granted a title, but suddenly this incident happened.

Can't we just have a few days of peace?

At this point, Zhu Yuanzhang asked, "How is it?"

Zhu Biao could only pretend to be nonchalant and praise:

"My cousin is truly talented. If this matter gets out, it will surely become a legend."

Zhu Yuanzhang glanced at him but didn't notice anything unusual, so he just snorted and remained noncommittal.

Then he said to Du Zhenrui, "We know about this, there's no need to make a fuss."

"By the way, this book looks like it's not finished yet. Bring it to us as soon as there are new chapters."

Du Zhenrui dared not speak recklessly, after all, it concerned the Empress's cousin; he only needed to remain within his bounds.
"Yes, sir. I will immediately send orders to the spies to keep an eye on this book."

He then took his leave.

Zhu Yuanzhang didn't say anything more, and continued to review and revise memorials, while also instructing Zhu Biao on how to handle government affairs.

Zhu Biao's mood became even heavier. The fact that he didn't mention it meant that he had taken it to heart, and that was the real problem.

No, we have to find a way to resolve this problem.

The father and son didn't finish their official business until the afternoon.

Zhu Yuanzhang went to the Dashan Hall to study, and Zhu Biao thought for a moment and then got up to go to the Kunning Palace to discuss the matter with Empress Ma.

But they stopped halfway through.

Because her mother was in the inner palace, there were limited things she could do.

Moreover, if he went to see his mother now, wouldn't that be blatantly telling his father that he knows everything?

By then, many of our methods will no longer be effective.

I'd better not tell my mother yet. If I really can't find a solution, then I'll go and discuss it with her.

With that in mind, he returned to the East Palace.

He kept thinking about how to resolve this problem on the way.

Oh, cousin, how come you're so talented?

He racked his brains but couldn't come up with a good solution. Just when he was having a headache, he bumped into a clerk.

The clerk quickly bowed and said, "Greetings, Your Highness."

Zhu Biao laughed and said, "Hongyi, off on your mission?"

He naturally recognized the clerk; he was Zheng Hongyi, the eldest grandson of Zheng Liangqi, the head of the Imperial Medical Academy.

Ironically, the eldest grandson of the Zheng family did not inherit the family business, but instead abandoned medicine to pursue literature.

However, he was not particularly gifted in academics and did not achieve much academic success.

Because Zheng Liangqi had performed meritorious service in saving Ma Yu from her hunger strike, and because Ma Yu's health still needed his care.

Therefore, Zhu Biao recruited Zheng Hongyi into the Eastern Palace to serve as a clerk.

This was done to bribe Zheng Liangqi so that he would properly treat Ma Yu's illness.

This method was indeed very effective. Zheng Liangqi put a lot of effort into it and even consulted with many renowned medical experts.

Over the past six months, Ma Yu's health has recovered quite well under his care.

Although she is still very weak, she needs a wheelchair to walk long distances...

Wait, a wheelchair?
A thought suddenly popped into Zhu Biao's mind.

If my cousin is in poor health and needs a wheelchair to walk long distances, wouldn't all the problems be solved?
The more I think about him, the more excited I get.

The gaze directed at Zheng Hongyi became increasingly kind:
"Hongyi, are you doing well in the Eastern Palace? Has no one made things difficult for you?"

Zheng Hongyi had never received such treatment before, and he was so moved that he almost cried.
"Your Highness, no one has made things difficult for me. Everything is fine here, and I have learned a lot."

Zhu Biao smiled and said, "That's good. The Bureau of Justice is short of a clerk, so you can take on the role."

Zheng Hongyi exclaimed in surprise, "Ah? This... Thank you, Your Highness, Your Highness is so kind to me..."

Zhu Biao waved his hand and said, "Work hard. It's getting late, let's go back first."

"Come to me again tomorrow to get the imperial edict and report it to the Ministry of Personnel."

Zheng Hongyi took a deep breath and bowed, saying, "Yes, Your Highness."

He didn't get up until Zhu Biao had walked quite a distance away.

Then he ran all the way home, calling out, "Grandpa, Grandpa..." Zheng Liangqi, who had just finished his business trip, said irritably, "What are you shouting for? Are you trying to call back my soul?"

"Now that you are serving in the Eastern Palace, you must be more careful so as not to embarrass the Crown Prince."

Zheng Hongyi ignored his lecturing and said directly:

"Grandpa, the Crown Prince has promoted me."

Zheng Liangqi hadn't reacted yet and asked blankly, "What?"

Zheng Hongyi said excitedly, "The Crown Prince has promoted me to be a corrector in the Bureau of Classics."

"What?" Zheng Liangqi exclaimed, "Say that again?"

Zheng Hongyi then recounted what had just happened.

Upon confirming the truth, Zheng Liangqi was so moved that he shed tears.

It should be noted that Zheng Hongyi was previously just a clerk in the Eastern Palace, which, to put it bluntly, was a low-ranking official.

Although the rank of Zhengzi was only the ninth rank, it was still a legitimate official position.

One is an official, the other a clerk; it's like the difference between heaven and earth.

In particular, Zhengzi was an official in the Eastern Palace, meaning he was a minister in the Crown Prince's former residence.

As long as you don't make mistakes, your future is bright.

For the Zheng family, this was an immense act of kindness.

Zheng Liangqi completely forgot his earlier reprimand to his grandson, and tears streamed down his face as he became emotional:

"Your Highness's great kindness is something our Zheng family can only repay with our lives."

Then he took Zheng Hongyi to the ancestral hall in the backyard to report the good news to the ancestors.

That evening, the Zheng family decorated their house with lanterns and streamers to celebrate Zheng Hongyi's promotion.

The next day, Zheng Hongyi excitedly went to the Eastern Palace to take up his post, only to find that Zhu Biao had already gone to court.

This disappointed him somewhat; it seemed he would have to wait until the afternoon to receive the imperial edict.

Just as I was thinking this, I saw He Dabao, the Grand Eunuch of the Eastern Palace, walk over with a smile.

He quickly stood up and bowed.

To everyone's surprise, He Dabao, who was usually so arrogant, was unusually amiable today:

"Oh, Zhengzi, you've finally arrived! I've been waiting for you."

Wait for me? (Typo: 正字?)
Zheng Hongyi immediately guessed the truth and was extremely excited.

Taking a deep breath, he forced a calm expression and said:
"May I ask what business you have with me, sir?"

He Dabao smiled and said, "Of course it's a happy occasion. His Highness asked me to give this to you, so please keep it safe."

Zheng Hongyi accepted it with trembling hands. Sure enough, it was a handwritten edict from Zhu Biao, promoting him to the position of Corrector in the Bureau of Classics.

After he finished reading it, He Dabao laughed and said, "See? I didn't lie to you."

Zheng Hongyi carefully put away the imperial edict and bowed, saying:
"Thank you, father-in-law."

Then he took a few steps closer, quickly shoved a small bag into his hand, and whispered:
"This is just a small token of my appreciation, please accept it, sir."

With lightning speed, He Dabao slipped the brocade bag into his sleeve.

He could tell from just a glance that it was ten taels of silver.

He was even more pleased with Zheng Hongyi; this kid was quick on his feet.

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Zheng Hongyi went to the Ministry of Personnel to complete his onboarding procedures.

This time he found that all the officials in the Ministry of Personnel were very enthusiastic, and some even took the initiative to chat with him.

There wasn't a trace of arrogance in him.

Upon returning to the Eastern Palace, the officials who used to boss him around became much more amiable.

Even officials of the fourth or fifth rank, such as Xian Ma, spoke much more gently.

This made him realize the difference between officials and clerks even more deeply.

They were even more grateful to Zhu Biao.

When he returned home from his business trip, he told his grandfather, Zheng Liangqi, about his experiences and feelings that day.

Zheng Liangqi was also deeply moved and once again admonished him to repay the Crown Prince properly.

"We, the Zheng family, must never do anything ungrateful."

But the matter did not end there. The news that Zheng Hongyi had been promoted to the rank of Zhengzi quickly spread within a small circle.

Many more people came to give gifts in front of the Zheng family's house.

Zheng Liangqi was repeatedly flattered by his colleagues while working at the Imperial Medical Academy.

This made him happier than if he were praised himself.

He naturally knew why all this was happening, and was extremely grateful to Zhu Biao.

They also paid more attention to Ma Yu's treatment.

After spending a few days figuring out a new recipe, he couldn't wait to go to the Chen residence.

I had only gone halfway when I heard the sound of a vehicle behind me, so I quickly stood to the side of the road to avoid it.

Unexpectedly, this was Zhu Biao's carriage.

To his surprise, Zhu Biao stopped the car, leaned out, and asked:
"Isn't this Dean Zheng? Where are you headed?"

Zheng Liangqi was deeply moved that the Crown Prince would actually stop his carriage to greet him, and quickly bowed in greeting:
"Your Highness, I am on my way to the residence of the Duke of Xu."

Zhu Biao said in surprise, "Oh, what a coincidence! I was just about to visit my cousin."

"Since it's on the way, Dean Zheng, please get in the car. We can go together."

Zheng Liangqi dared not agree: "Your Highness's kindness is deeply appreciated, but..."

Zhu Biao gave him no chance to refuse, saying in an unquestionable tone:
"I'm not some monster, what's wrong with sharing a ride? Come on in."

Seeing this, Zheng Liangqi could not refuse any longer and could only carefully board the car.

I was incredibly excited.

To ride in the same carriage as the Crown Prince is an immense honor.

What merit or ability has my Zheng family possessed to deserve this? First, Hongyi was promoted, and then I was invited to ride with him...

The Crown Prince's kindness is something my Zheng family can never repay in all my lifetimes.

Once he was settled, the carriage set off again.

Just as Zheng Liangqi was pondering how to start a conversation, he saw Zhu Biao say with a sorrowful expression:
"It's truly a case of heaven being jealous of talent; my cousin was so gifted, yet he's ruined his life."

Zheng Liangqi was about to reassure him, saying that although Duke Xu had suffered a fundamental injury, it was not beyond recovery.

The recovery is progressing well so far.

But before he could speak, Zhu Biao continued:

"The kidneys are the foundation of one's constitution, and my cousin's kidneys have suffered irreparable damage..."

"Professor Zheng, you must treat him well."

"I don't expect him to fully recover; I just hope he can stay in his current state and not get worse."

He emphasized words like "kidneys" and "current condition" when he spoke.

Who is Zheng Liangqi? To become the head of the Imperial Medical Academy, he must be a very cunning person.

He naturally understood Zhu Biao's implication.

He also understood why his grandson had been suddenly promoted.

Why would the Crown Prince treat me with such favor, even letting me ride in the same carriage?

It turned out that I was waiting here.

But... what is the Crown Prince's purpose in doing this?
What does he want me to do now?
Does this mean I shouldn't properly treat Duke Xu, and should keep his body in a weak state?
The more he thought about it, the heavier his heart became.

Just then, Zhu Biao spoke again:
“My father is also very concerned about my cousin’s situation. He will definitely ask you about it when the time comes. Just tell him everything.”

A flash of realization crossed Zheng Liangqi's eyes. So this was to keep it from His Majesty.

As long as it doesn't harm anyone, that's fine.

He felt a slight sense of relief, but only a slight one.

Concealing this from His Majesty, once discovered, would be a heinous crime punishable by the confiscation of one's property and the extermination of one's entire clan.

And why keep it from His Majesty?

Didn't we just recently allow Ma Yu to inherit the title of Duke of Xu?

He could only keep these doubts to himself, not daring to ask a single question.

The key question now is whether or not I should cooperate with the Crown Prince and conceal the truth from His Majesty.

Looking at Zhu Biao's calm face, Zheng Liangqi was torn.

(End of this chapter)