My aunt is Queen Ma

Chapter 98 Don't Provoke Ma Yu
Upon hearing Zhu Yuanzhang's agreement, Empress Ma quickly said:
"After such a long hunger strike, her body is already exhausted. Those people are so reckless, I hope they don't hurt Yu'er."

"Besides, he's contemplating suicide now, and this can't go on forever. I'd better go there myself."

Consort Chang also spoke up at the right time: "I asked the imperial physician. He said that if a person doesn't eat, they can survive for five to seven days. But if they don't drink water for more than three days, it will be very difficult to save them."

"Today is the third day of my cousin's hunger strike, and it's probably very dangerous for him now."

Zhu Shuang blurted out, "Quickly, find the imperial physician and go take a look."

All eyes turned to Zhu Yuanzhang; the decision was in his hands.

Empress Ma was prepared to force her way through if he objected.

Zhu Yuanzhang no longer cared about saving face and said:
"Summon the Imperial Physician."

Wu Zhuo, who had been eagerly waiting, responded and left the main hall, then ran wildly towards the Imperial Hospital.

Zheng Liangqi was feeling sorry for Ma Yu's imprisonment and had promised to consult him on some medical issues.

Unexpectedly, before the trip could even take place, Young Master Ma was thrown into a death row cell.

I wonder if he can pull off another miracle.

When Wu Zhuo told him that Ma Yu was on a hunger strike in prison and that today was the third day, he was immediately shocked.

Although he had not yet met Ma Yu, he had experienced the chaos of war and seen too many people starve to death.

Knowing which treatment method to use.

He immediately ordered someone to fetch some first-aid medicine, and then followed Wu Zhuo all the way to Qianqing Palace.

Halfway there, they met another eunuch who said that the Empress and her entourage had already gone to the prison.

They don't need to go to the Qianqing Palace anymore; they can go directly to the prison.

Upon hearing this news, Wu Zhuo remained unfazed, but Zheng Liangqi seemed to have realized something and exclaimed in alarm:
"not good."

Wu Zhuo was startled and quickly asked, "What happened to Dean Zheng?"

As Zheng Liangqi ran, he said, "When Her Majesty sees Young Master Ma, she will definitely feed him."

Wu Zhuo caught up and asked, puzzled, "This... is it not allowed?"

Zheng Liangqi said, "No, we can't feed Young Master Ma after he's been on a hunger strike for more than two days. Even liquid food has to be given with care."

Although Wu Zhuo didn't know why, he figured the imperial physician's words were probably true, and he was greatly alarmed:
"Let's hurry and catch up."

However, Zheng Liangqi was getting old and soon couldn't run anymore, so he could only say to Wu Zhuo:

"Eunuch Wu, you are young and strong and can run fast, hurry up and catch up with her. Make sure the Empress doesn't feed you. We'll talk about everything when I get there."

Wu Zhuo didn't dare to delay and immediately sped up, rushing towards the Yingtian Prefecture prison.

Along the way, it attracted a lot of attention, with people speculating about what had happened.

Wu Zhuo couldn't care less about anything else; he only regretted that his parents hadn't given him two more legs.

He hoped to catch up with them halfway, but it was clear that Empress Ma and her entourage were also in a hurry, as he hadn't seen a single person along the way.

This made him even more anxious.

He ran wildly into the Yingtianfu prison.

Fortunately, the gatekeepers knew his identity and, thinking something serious had happened, didn't dare to stop him.

This led him all the way to the innermost part of the prison.

Just then, they saw Zhu Shuang pinching Ma Yu's mouth, while Empress Ma was holding a bowl and about to feed him something.

He hurriedly shouted, "Wait... Your Majesty, you mustn't!"

Empress Ma immediately stopped and looked at Wu Zhuo, who was rushing towards her, and asked:
"what happened?"

"Huff...huff..." Wu Zhuo was covered in sweat and his face was flushed from running. He looked like he was out of breath.

"Huff... Zheng... huff... Dean Zheng said... I can't... I can't... feed him anything."

Empress Ma asked, puzzled, "Why? Not even rice water?"

Wu Zhuo shook her head repeatedly: "This servant doesn't know either. Dean Zheng was afraid that you would feel sorry for Young Master Ma feeding him, so he asked me to come and tell you first."

"His exact words were, 'Don't feed him anything.'"

Empress Ma was puzzled, as she knew that one shouldn't feed a person who had been hungry for a long time indiscriminately.

You should feed them liquid food first, and then feed them softer food after a while.

So she didn't feed Ma Yu anything else, just plain rice porridge. Didn't she expect that even that wouldn't work?

Despite her confusion, she dared not do anything rash and placed the bowl on the low table.

Then Zhu Shuang was instructed to put Ma Yu down.

Only then did Wu Zhuo have time to observe Ma Yu.

He was emaciated, with cracked lips, looking no different from a starving corpse, and had fallen into a coma.

This made his heart ache, and he almost burst into tears.

Zhu Shuang glanced at him and said, "Hold it in."

Wu Zhuo covered his mouth and nodded repeatedly.

In fact, none of the people present were in a good mood.

Empress Ma, in particular, was filled with remorse.

If I had paid more attention to his feelings, perhaps this wouldn't have happened.

She couldn't help but start to reflect on whether she really treated him like a nephew.

Or was it simply because of his knowledge?

To her shame, she couldn't answer.

At this moment, all she could do was pray that Ma Yu would be safe and sound, and that she would be a good aunt in the future.

About fifteen minutes later, Zheng Liangqi came running over, breathless.

Without taking a break, he hurriedly checked on Ma Yu's condition, and the more he looked, the more serious his expression became.

Empress Ma and others couldn't help but feel nervous.

Zheng Liangqi didn't have time to say anything more, and immediately opened his medicine box, taking out two porcelain bottles:

Do you have warm water?

Empress Ma looked at the rice porridge on the table and said, "Is rice porridge alright?"

Zheng Liangqi turned his head and glanced at it, finding it was just some slightly murky white water. He nodded and said:

"That's acceptable."

Wu Zhuo immediately brought the bowl to his side.

Zheng Liangqi poured some honey from one porcelain bottle and some salt from another, stirred them together, and said:
"Feed it to Young Master Ma little by little."

Everyone was puzzled. Isn't this just honey and salt water? What's the difference?

But no one dared to ask any more questions at this moment. Zhu Shuang immediately hugged Ma Yu and pried open his lips with one hand.

Just as he was about to pry open Ma Yu's teeth as well, Zheng Liangqi reminded him in time:

"That's enough, just don't hurt Young Master Ma."

Wu Zhuo originally wanted to feed her by hand, but Empress Ma took the bowl and fed her herself.

She carefully scooped up a spoonful of honey-salt water and dripped it into Ma Yu's mouth little by little.

After dripping half a spoonful of liquid without any reaction, Ma Yu's throat bobbed slightly.

Zheng Liangqi, who had been watching him closely, was overjoyed: "Good, good, Young Master Ma can still swallow instinctively. The situation is much better than I thought."

Everyone else was overjoyed, finally hearing good news.

Empress Ma wanted to laugh, but for some reason, tears started flowing uncontrollably.

She quickly wiped it off with her sleeve and continued to feed Ma Yu water.

Only after feeding him about half a bowl did Zheng Liangqi say:
"Your Majesty, that's enough. We'll feed you the rest later."

Empress Ma looked at Ma Yu, whose throat was still bobbing, and wished she could feed him all the water in the bowl.

But reason prevailed, and she listened to the imperial physician's advice, placing the bowl back on the low table.

Zhu Shuang carefully placed him down.

Empress Ma then asked, "Director Zheng, how is Yu'er's condition?"

Unexpectedly, Zheng Liangqi said in a serious tone:
"Young Master Ma's condition is better than I expected."

"But the situation is extremely dangerous, and whether they can be saved is up to fate."

"Moreover, his body has probably been damaged, and even if he can be saved, he will be weaker than an ordinary person."

"It is very likely that you will need treatment for the rest of your life."

Zhu Shuang's expression changed drastically, and he questioned, "Didn't you say that a person can survive for three or four days without food or water?"

"It's only been a little over two days, how could it be so serious?"

Zheng Liangqi explained, "That refers to healthy adults, and it's also an extreme case."

"If a person doesn't eat or drink for three or four days, they might still have a breath left, but it will be too late for medicine to save them."

"In reality, the human body can't withstand going two or three days without food or water."

"Moreover, Young Master Ma is too young, and his health is not very good."

Zhu Shuang immediately thought of the time when Ma Yu always sweated easily during physical exercise.

Having practiced martial arts since childhood, he naturally knew that this was a sign of physical weakness.

Thinking about this made him feel even heavier.

Empress Ma said remorsefully, "It's all my fault. I didn't take good care of him."

Consort Chang and Wu Zhuo, who were standing to the side, also showed signs of tension and sadness.

Just as everyone was grieving, Zheng Liangqi suddenly changed the subject:
"However, being young is not all bad."

Zhu Shuang's eyes lit up, and he pressed, "Is there still a chance? Tell me quickly."

Empress Ma and others also looked at him with hopeful eyes.

Zheng Liangqi said, "Young people's bodies are still growing, and many minor problems can heal themselves without medicine."

"Many major problems can be partially recovered with proper care."

"If Young Master Ma can get through this ordeal, with proper care, he should be able to live a normal life."

At this moment, Zhu Biao's voice came from not far away: "Then I will trouble Imperial Physician Zheng to make sure my cousin is saved."

Following the sound, everyone looked and saw Zhu Biao walking briskly towards them, followed by his three brothers, Zhu Gang, Zhu Di, and Zhu Su.

Zheng Liangqi quickly bowed and said, "Your subject will do everything in his power to save Young Master Ma."

Zhu Biao's expression was serious: "It's not about going all out, it's about having to."

Just as Zheng Liangqi was about to apologize, Empress Ma spoke up:

"Biao'er, don't make things difficult for Imperial Physician Zheng. I believe he will do his best to save Yu'er."

"If she can't be saved... then it's just bad luck for Yu'er."

Zheng Liangqi said gratefully, "Thank you for your understanding, Your Majesty."

Zhu Biao didn't say anything more, but looked at Ma Yu with concern.

After a brief exchange, Zhu Biao explained why he and his three brothers had come together.

The reason is actually quite simple: they have been keeping an eye on Ma Yu's situation.

At first, they thought Ma Yu was just bluffing. But they quickly realized something was wrong; no one would scare someone like that, and their cousin was serious.

Although they couldn't believe it, they knew they couldn't wait any longer.

So they agreed to go together to find Empress Ma, and then go to Zhu Yuanzhang to plead for mercy.

They only learned when they arrived at Kunning Palace that Empress Ma had already gone to Qianqing Palace.

They hurriedly followed to the Qianqing Palace, where they found Zhu Yuanzhang reviewing financial and tax records.

One can only imagine the complex emotions Zhu Yuanzhang must have felt when he saw his four sons.

Including his wife and second son Zhu Shuang, his entire family had sided with Ma Yu.

However, by this point, he had been worn down and lost all motivation.

So he simply told them that Empress Ma and her entourage had gone to the prison.

So Zhu Biao led his three younger brothers all the way to the prison.

I happened to overhear Zheng Liangqi's last few words.

Now that they have learned more about the situation, they can't help but feel very worried.

Zhu Biao said again, "Academician Zheng, please tell me what kind of treatment you need. I will find whatever medicine you require."

Zheng Liangqi hesitated for a moment and said, "It doesn't necessarily require particularly precious medicinal herbs; it mainly depends on Young Master Ma's own fate."

"And another thing..." He glanced around the cell before saying,
"I need a quiet and comfortable environment, here..."

The meaning couldn't be clearer: this is not a good place for treatment.

Zhu Biao dared not make a decision and looked at Empress Ma.

Empress Ma immediately said, "Take him to Kunning Palace. I want to take care of him myself."

Zhu Biao quickly said, "Mother, doing this might cause controversy."

Zhu Gang and a few others also came out to persuade them.

Ma Yu is over fourteen years old this year and has that kind of ability.

Even if his life or death is currently uncertain, if he were to move into Kunning Palace, the outside world would probably be thrown into chaos.

Zhu Shuang stepped forward and said, "It's inconvenient to stay in the palace. Let's go back to the residence to take care of ourselves."

"If Mother is worried, you can stay at the mansion for a few days."

Empress Ma knew she had lost her composure, so she went along with them and said:

"That's fine then, let's go back to the manor."

With her word, the question of whether someone is a wanted criminal or not becomes irrelevant.

The group found a bed board, lifted Ma Yu onto the carriage outside, and transported him back to the mansion.

When the servants of the Ma family learned of his return, they were finally relieved.

Yuan Lang was so excited that he was almost at a loss for words, and Master Ma was in tears.

Ma Yu is the backbone of this family. If he were gone, the future of the others would be uncertain.

Even for the servants, it would be almost impossible to find such a good master again.

They naturally didn't want anything to happen to Ma Yu.

So when they learned that Ma Yu was still in danger, everyone's hearts were in their throats again.

After settling Ma Yu in his own bedroom, Zheng Liangqi conducted another thorough examination on him.

The conclusion reached is not much different from what was just said.

The only good news was that Ma Yu's pulse was beating stronger than before.

This indicates that his body is recovering in a positive direction.

But these facts alone are not enough to determine that he is out of danger.

However, since so much time had passed since the first time he was given water, Zheng Liangqi had someone feed him a second time.

This time I fed him more than half a bowl, and also some thicker rice porridge.

Empress Ma took care of everything, giving no one else a chance to interfere.

Zhu Biao and the others were deeply moved, realizing that their mother truly treated their cousin as her own son.

Only Zhu Shuang was extremely disdainful. "Now you're in a hurry? Where were you before?"
However, he hadn't yet reached the point where he could say those words aloud; he only grumbled about it to himself.

After this incident, he had a lot of resentment towards his parents and felt sorry for Ma Yu.

I had already made up my mind: since they were going to enfeoff princes, I would take Ma Yu to the most remote place.

Stay away from heartless people like you.

He originally wanted to say "heartless and treacherous," but considering they were his own parents, he changed it to "heartless and callous."
-
The fact that Empress Ma and her son went to the Yingtian Prefecture prison together could not be kept secret.

Before long, everyone in the government and the public knew about it.

They also knew about the subsequent evacuation of Ma Yu.

This shocked the court officials, who never expected the Empress to value her adopted nephew, Ma Yu, so much.

The thirty members of the small group who held their ground at Majialou were overjoyed.

Brother Ma is indeed unharmed.

Many members of the small group who failed to stay are filled with regret.

I was too young. Why couldn't I have waited and observed?

Of course, most of them don't really matter.

They joined the clique because they were after the prince; their motivation was purely self-interest.

Moreover, given their backgrounds, they are destined for a place in the imperial court in the future; small organizations are merely icing on the cake.

There's no need to take the risk.

Compared to the members of the small group, there was an uproar in both the government and the public.

Ma Yu was a wanted criminal whom the emperor personally ordered to be imprisoned. How could he be released without an imperial decree?
Even the Empress and the Crown Prince are not an option; many people are already prepared to impeach them.

Li Shanchang was also very dissatisfied, but this time he did not intend to get involved himself. Instead, he had his subordinates give him some encouragement.

Even if we can't do anything to Ma Yu, we should still annoy him.

But before he could take any action, another message arrived.

Ma Yu is on a hunger strike in prison, and his fate is unknown.

Upon learning this, Li Shanchang was astonished and asked several times before he dared to believe it was true.

Then came a huge question.

Why did Ma Yu commit suicide?

Even if he offended the emperor and was thrown into a death row cell.

But the attitudes of the Empress, the Crown Prince, and the four legitimate princes were already clear, and Chang Yuchun and the others hadn't even started to exert their influence yet.

Things are far from over.

Let's put it this way: to other people, death row is truly death row.

For them, death row can even be a place for vacation or refuge.

In any case, Ma Yu had no reason to commit suicide.

Moreover, she started her hunger strike as soon as she entered, without any struggle whatsoever.

There's only one possibility: he doesn't want to live anymore.

At this moment, he couldn't help but recall all the information about Ma Yu.

Back then, the Embroidered Uniform Guard was called the Imperial Guard Division, and he still had the ability to intervene.

At that time, he obtained a lot of detailed information about Ma Yu.

He impersonated a member of the imperial family to drag those who framed him down with him, and he spoke recklessly, cursing Zhu Yuanzhang.

At the time, he thought Ma Yu was ruthless enough and willing to go all out.

In addition, he possesses a great deal of unique knowledge, so once he enters the imperial court, he is likely to become a very important figure.

That's why Li Shanchang couldn't help but take action against him.

His hunch proved correct; ever since Ma Yu appeared, the emperor had rarely heeded his advice.

More accurately, he is no longer a policy maker, but merely an implementer.

The difference is huge.

One of the reasons he later stopped targeting Ma Yu was that he felt Ma Yu was ruthless enough.

If the two sides really become mortal enemies, things will become very difficult to handle.

However, his thoughts have changed now. Perhaps Ma Yu is not simply ruthless, but rather he simply doesn't want to live.

That's why he impersonated a member of the imperial family and cursed Zhu Yuanzhang.

Even after being recognized as a relative by Empress Ma, he would still occasionally make sarcastic remarks about Zhu Yuanzhang.

That's why he chose to go on a hunger strike as soon as he was put in jail.

The more Li Shanchang thought about it, the more he felt that this was the truth.

then……

He immediately said to Li Zhong, "Tell our men right away not to impeach Ma Yu."

Li Zhong asked, puzzled, "Father, what's wrong?"

Li Shanchang said impatiently, "Don't ask, just pass the word down immediately. If anyone disobeys and causes trouble, don't blame me for not protecting them."

Having said all that, Li Zhong knew the seriousness of the matter and dared not ask any more questions.

Immediately send someone to inform the officials you have previously contacted not to impeach Ma Yu.

Li Shanchang breathed a sigh of relief after his son left.

As the saying goes, the soft fear the hard, the hard fear the stubborn, and the stubborn fear the reckless.

Ma Yu is capable, but he's also reckless. If you really offend him to death...

It's possible they've set a trap to drag themselves down with them.

The officials who wronged him back then are the best proof.

The key point is that others are only willing to risk their lives when they are poor, because at that time they only have one worthless life left, and they are willing to go all out.

Once circumstances change, they become more cautious about their own lives.

He himself is the most typical example; back then, he dared to risk his life to follow Zhu Yuanzhang in rebellion.

But he would absolutely not agree to do something so dangerous now.

But Ma Yu was different; he wasn't afraid of death when he had nothing.

Now that I have everything, I still don't want to live...

This is precisely what Li Shanchang could never understand.

why?
Although he couldn't understand it, it didn't stop him from making the decision not to provoke Ma Yu.

But not everyone is as clear-headed as he is.

When many people learned that Ma Yu was on a hunger strike and his life was hanging in the balance, they simply thought it was intentional, adding another reason for impeachment.

(End of this chapter)