Chapter 22: I Have a Good Uncle

Ma Xun was feeling rather frazzled; his scientific research was not progressing smoothly.

The spirits currently available were mostly fruit wines or rice wines with low alcohol content, and he lacked the knowledge of brewing. He was contemplating distillation, yet he lacked the necessary precision instruments. He racked his brain over chemistry, hoping to employ a hydration method, but he remained at a dead end.

As for penicillin, he didn't even dare to consider it; he lacked the fungal strains, and using it recklessly might cost the lives of his relatives and friends. He was currently focusing his research on allicin and sulfonamide antibiotics, but he remained stuck on the technical aspects of distillation.

It was going to cost money—a lot of money—to manufacture this equipment. Although Ma Xun came from a wealthy and established family and was not short on funds for the time being, and could even recruit the finest craftsmen in the world, he was limited by the current level of productivity, which might not be able to meet his exacting requirements.

Tugging at his hair in frustration, Ma Xun felt miserable. He regretted not having studied the "Barefoot Doctor's Manual" more thoroughly. Had he known things would turn out this way, he would have memorized the "Militia Training Manual" by heart as well. When the time came to use his knowledge, he only hated that he knew so little; Ma Xun silently cursed his own superficial learning.

"Uncle!"

A shout broke Ma Xun's concentration, and he hurried out of his study.

Zhu Shuang, clutching a large stack of books, said eagerly, "My mother knows you have been studying military strategy and medical texts, so she specifically had me bring these books over for you."

"Quick, put them in the study," Ma Xun said with a smile. "Why did they have you come in person? Any servant could have made the trip."

As they walked, Zhu Shuang said, "My mother is still complaining that you haven't visited the palace, and my father was grumbling about it just two days ago."

Ma Xun did a quick mental calculation and said, "I will enter the palace tomorrow; tell them that when you return."

Zhu Shuang wheedled, "Uncle, didn't you say you've been out riding horses beyond the city walls these past few days? Why not take your nephew along?"

Ma Xun immediately grew wary. "You are a prince; you cannot just wander out as you please."

"I used to rough it in the military camps with my third and fourth brothers, marching just like the soldiers," Zhu Shuang said proudly. "Don't underestimate Uncle's recent trips to the camp; if it comes to wrapping one's leggings for a march, you're no match for me!"

This was no idle boast; the brothers were all very familiar with military life.

Ma Xun asked, still uneasy, "Did your mother set a time for you to return to the palace?"

"She just told me to return before the palace gates are locked," Zhu Shuang replied with a sycophantic grin. "If they really are locked, it doesn't matter; I'll just stay here with you. Who could say anything about that?"

Ma Xun thought there was some truth to that, so he said, "Then go and call Chang Mao. He’s the one who has been teaching me horsemanship these days."

Zhu Shuang scoffed, unconvinced. "Uncle, Chang Mao is just bullying you because you don't ride often. Among us who grew up together, Wang De is the best rider, followed by the fourth brother."

Ma Xun asked, "Who is Wang De? Why haven't I seen him?"

Zhu Shuang replied, "He is Wang Bi's eldest son, also a man from Huai-Xi. He previously followed my father-in-law, and now he follows General Chang."

Ma Xun felt something was off immediately. "Your father-in-law? When were you betrothed? How have I never heard of this?"

"My father-in-law is Deng Yu; he is certain to be ennobled as a Duke," Zhu Shuang said brazenly. "My fiancée and I are the same age; we’ve been together since we were children. When the eldest brother and sister-in-law would scold us, my wife and I would just cry together."

Ma Xun’s heart skipped a beat. Historically, Zhu Shuang's primary consort was the sister of Wang Baobao, the prototype for Zhao Min. However, Zhu Shuang disliked that consort, locking her in a cold palace and feeding her only leftovers and spoiled fruit. While the daughter of Deng Yu was only a secondary consort, she and Zhu Shuang shared a deep bond. Zhu Shuang was lawless; in his princely residence, he built a dragon bed, dressed Lady Deng in the regalia of an empress, and together they found amusement in tormenting the palace servants. Zhu Shuang seemed fine while in the capital, but once he went to his fief, his true colors were revealed.

Ma Xun sighed. "You brothers are something else—all arranging your own betrothals. Is it the same for the third and fourth brothers?"

Zhu Shuang said smugly, "They aren't as capable; they don't have childhood sweethearts. I learned this from my eldest brother—whenever something happens, the eldest brother takes the heat."

Zhu Shuang ran off happily to the next room, and before long, the sounds of several rowdy children arguing could be heard as the three Chang brothers appeared together.

"Uncle, Aunt is at our house," Chang Sen said, jumping in first. "My mother invited her, saying she wanted Aunt to teach my sister needlework."

Ma Xun, acting quite irresponsibly, said directly, "No horse riding today! He Da, escort the Second Prince back to the palace!"

Zhu Shuang panicked, furious. "Uncle, you have no honor, no sense of justice!"

Ma Xun ignored him. "Where is the person who brought the Second Prince? Get him back quickly; I have no time for your nonsense."

A bunch of brats—what did they know of serious business!

Xu E hurried over and said, "Master, change your clothes. Let's put on Daoist robes; they appear more intimate."

The so-called Daoist robe was common daily wear for many men in the Ming Dynasty at home. With a straight collar, large lapels, and side slits, this garment was worn by everyone from the Emperor down to the common scholars.

Ma Xun followed her suggestion, and Xu E added, "Master, wear a silk sash as well; it looks more approachable and casual."

While a jade pendant at the waist was nice, since he was wearing a Daoist robe, it was better to forgo the jade; a silk sash was more appropriate.

Although Zhu Shuang kept shouting, it was of no use. Chang Mao and Chang Sheng were already beating Chang Sen; they blamed the third brother for his loose lips, which had caused their uncle to stop taking them out to play.

Once changed, Ma Xun immediately took Chang Sen by the hand. The lad was stubborn—despite being pummeled by his two older brothers, he didn't cry, only glaring as if to say he would certainly pay them back once he grew up.

Seeing Lady Chang and the others, Ma Xun launched a preemptive strike. "Sister-in-law, Chang Mao and Chang Sheng beat Chang Sen for no reason. I was afraid they would keep fighting, so I didn't dare take them out of the city for riding."

Lady Chang, understanding the situation perfectly, smiled and said, "Those three brothers fight several times a day; don't take it to heart."

Looking at Liu Shuning, Ma Xun asked, "Are you doing needlework?"

To Ma Xun's feigned ignorance, Chang Wan teased, "Uncle, my needlework isn't good, so I troubled Mother to invite my little aunt."

Liu Shuning blushed and said indignantly, "If you say that again, I won't come back!"

Lady Chang rose with a smile and said, "Wan'er, come with me to pick some silk threads, and then you can ask your little aunt for advice."

Chang Wan jumped up happily, and Liu Shuning couldn't hold her back.

In the empty main hall, only Ma Xun and Liu Shuning remained. Liu Shuning sat uneasily, blushing; this was the first time she had been alone with Ma Xun.

After a moment of awkward silence, Ma Xun spoke up. "Is her needlework really that bad?"

Liu Shuning said playfully, "Wan'er has some foundation in needlework; she knows how to stitch. I’m afraid the Imperial Uncle wouldn't understand such things, but Wan'er's needlework is probably just a little better than the Imperial Uncle's horsemanship."

Ma Xun blushed. "Why bring me into this? What have you been busy with these past few days?"

Liu Shuning's face turned even redder. "Just some needlework."

Ma Xun thought for a moment and tentatively asked, "The weather looks nice; how about we go for an outing in a few days? I haven't walked around the vicinity of the capital yet, and I hear there are many beautiful places."

Liu Shuning replied, "The Emperor will have the spring hunt in a few days. If the Empress accompanies him, I should probably go along as well."

Ma Xun said directly, "The spring hunt is the spring hunt, but would they let me go to the women's quarters? I'll call the eldest and second brothers, and I'll bring some of the little brats along; it will be lively."

Chang Sen appeared out of nowhere, peeking around the door frame. "Is the Crown Prince coming? If the Crown Prince is coming, you have to invite my sister."

Ma Xun thought this was reasonable and looked at Liu Shuning. "If I were to invite you, your father certainly wouldn't want to let you out. So, I will try to invite the Crown Prince; would that work?"

Liu Shuning blushed even deeper and whispered, "In previous years, the Crown Prince would go for an outing, and mostly the children of Huai-Xi would accompany him; we children of Zhe-Dong usually cannot."

That was fine, then. Ma Xun was very confident. "Then wait for my good news; I'm entering the palace tomorrow."

Chang Sen grew anxious. "Is the Crown Prince coming? You have to invite my sister!"

Ma Xun was so angry he wanted to hit someone. "What are you doing here?"

"My mother told me to!" Chang Sen said righteously. "My mother said if Uncle was being improper, I had to call for someone!"

Lady Chang really was clever; although she created opportunities for Ma Xun and Liu Shuning, she wasn't completely indifferent to Liu Shuning's situation.

Even such a brief moment of being together was rare in this era. The divide between men and women, while not as severe as in the middle and late Ming, was already beginning to take shape.