Chapter 48: Am I Really This Amazing?

After paying respects to Grandfather Ma, Ma Xun, accompanied by a few boisterous youths, headed toward Li Zhen’s courtyard.

As soon as they entered, they saw Li Zhen playing with several children and teasing Wangcai.

“Uncle!” Zhu Chu, sharp-eyed, immediately ran over. “Nephew greets uncle.”

Zhu Jingru and Zhu Jingwan also quickly bowed. “Nieces greet uncle.”

Li Jinglong, anxious, flopped on the ground, chubby and pale. “Uncle-grandfather.”

Ma Xun chuckled warmly, “We’re family; no need for formalities.”

Then Ma Xun stepped forward and cupped his hands in salute. “Brother-in-law, how have you been lately?”

Li Zhen smiled as he looked Ma Xun over, unable to hide his fondness. “I eat well, dress warmly, and Jinglong is obedient. I’m doing just fine. Younger brother, you’ve returned triumphant from the campaign—go wash off the dust and grime first.”

Ma Xun hurried to explain, “I knew we’d be crossing the river and entering the palace yesterday, so I bathed and changed clothes in advance.”

Zhu Zhu spoke up, “Uncle, it’s not that you’re dirty or smelly. Father-in-law, the Emperor, and Empress worry you might be hurt outside. You must bathe, or the family won’t be at ease.”

Li Zhen added, “You’re steady and carry burdens alone, big or small. If something happened, you wouldn’t tell anyone. You really must bathe; the hot water’s ready.”

Ma Xun felt overwhelmed but appreciated the concern.

“All right, I’ll bathe. I’ve traveled thousands of miles without even seeing an enemy. If I got hurt, that would be a miracle!” Ma Xun laughed, joking at himself.

Zhu Di, sensing something amiss, excitedly said, “The capital is abuzz—uncle not only saved General Chang but swiftly came to aid Qingyang, helping to take the city!”

Zhu Tang chimed in, “Exactly! Uncle is modest! General Xu fought Qingyang for three months without success—only you led the troops into the city first and executed that minor vice-chancellor and his son!”

Ma Xun’s face darkened with embarrassment—he hadn’t realized he was so capable!

Thus, rumors are born.

Worse, now many accept this as fact, from top to bottom.

Li Zhen smiled quietly, knowing the truth but avoiding such talk before the children. He praised Xu Da’s cleverness, saying among the generals at war, Xu Tiande was the most capable and the most familiar with Zhongba.

The secondary chamber had prepared hot water. Ma Xun, unaccustomed to being served during his bath, was known for this by his family. Just as he undressed and sat in the tub, Li Zhen pushed open the door.

Holding clean clothes, Li Zhen cheerfully said, “Little brother, these are all new clothes.”

Ma Xun politely replied, “Thank you, brother-in-law. I’m truly uninjured.”

Li Zhen ignored Ma Xun’s words and inspected carefully to reassure himself.

No new wounds were good enough; old injuries were left unmentioned.

Seeing Li Zhen about to leave, Ma Xun said, “Don’t tell my sister about the old injuries; she’ll only worry.”

After some thought, Li Zhen said, “Your sister knows, Zhongba wouldn’t hide it from her. If you don’t mention it, she’ll pretend not to know. That’s fine—as long as she knows in her heart.”

Ma Xun bathed, changed, and donned a plain robe that looked homely.

Coming out of the bath, the courtyard was still full of lively children. Li Jinglong chased Zhu Di and Zhu Tang, while Zhu Zhu and Zhu Tang sat like young masters on chairs, snacking.

Zhu Jingru and Zhu Jingxian helped tidy up. Ma Xun’s luggage was brought into the courtyard.

Seeing Ma Xun, Zhu Jingru immediately poured a cup of tea. “Uncle, have some tea.”

Ma Xun smiled and nodded, taking a sip. “I brought some little things for you all. See if you like them.”

With that, Ma Xun eagerly opened his bags.

Two large bags filled to the brim—bringing back some local specialties after a trip was normal.

Pulling out embroidery, Ma Xun said, “Qingyang has embroidery and fragrant sachets, somewhat different from Jiangnan. You can have them.”

Zhu Jingru and Zhu Jingxian were naturally delighted. Although princesses, under Ma Xiuying’s guidance, they were frugal and diligent.

Ma Xun then opened another bag. “Walnuts—eat these. They’re nutritious. Remember to eat a few every day; they’re good for you.”

That was medical advice, and Zhu Jingru promptly made a note. “Got it. We’ll have more prepared.”

“This is best. Eat well—meat, vegetables, fruit,” Ma Xun repeated patiently, as if some things had to be said again. “The fourth and fifth brothers like meat but avoid vegetables. That won’t do.”

Zhu Jingru laughed, “Father and Mother ordered someone to watch them closely—they dare not skip vegetables or fruit.”

Ma Xun pulled out a large bag of goods. “Knowing brother-in-law doesn’t lack good things, I had someone find some tea and codonopsis. Brother-in-law, if you don’t mind, please accept them.”

Li Zhen chuckled warmly. “Little brother, you’re thoughtful. A trip out and back with so many fine things—those aren’t easy to find outside.”

That was to save Ma Xun’s pride. Although some items weren’t imperial tribute, Li Zhen’s status ensured he could have any good thing he wanted.

But the gifts Ma Xun brought back were different. Whether the items were fine mattered less than the thought behind them.

Ma Xun fitted Li Jinglong with a tiger-headed hat and smiled. “Not bad—these are from Qingyang. I found some new, good ones.”

Li Jinglong grabbed the hat. “I have plenty.”

“Then you keep that too.” Li Zhen was even happier. “Your uncle likes you so much, thinking of bringing you things when he’s at war. Now, go kowtow to your uncle.”

Ma Xun quickly intervened, “That’s what I should do. Brother-in-law, don’t be so formal.”

Every family member had gifts, roughly similar but with some differences, treating the children fairly overall.

When Zhu Yuanzhang and Ma Xiuying arrived with Zhu Biao, the scene grew even livelier. Zhu Jingru and Zhu Chu proudly showed off the gifts their uncle had brought.

Zhu Yuanzhang felt pleased but spoke modestly, “Ah, little brother, you’re too much! Fighting is serious business—why bring so many things?”

Ma Xiuying smiled, “They lack nothing. Why give them these things?”

“They’re not exactly fine goods. What would they want?” Ma Xun laughed. “I didn’t prepare anything for brother-in-law and sister; just ordinary things not fit for show.”

Zhu Biao looked at the items on the table. “Uncle, these must be for the nephews and nieces, right?”

Ma Xun hurriedly said, “I’ll have them delivered shortly.”

Zhu Zhu and the others, initially pleased, soon accepted the situation with equanimity. The Emperor and Empress had always favored the eldest. So did brother-in-law, and now their uncle—nothing unexpected.

Zhu Yuanzhang and Ma Xiuying were happier still. Little brother was sensitive and attentive to the other children but knew Zhu Biao was different, so the gifts might be special.

The thought behind the gifts mattered most; the quality was another matter.

Li Zhen smiled at Zhu Yuanzhang. “Zhongba, I recall years ago, you took mother and me to the house—you came to meet us with Shengbao before we even reached the door.”

Zhu Yuanzhang beamed. “I’m the youngest sibling, naturally the favored one. Bringing Shengbao was unavoidable—he’s my nephew.”

Zhu Shengbao was Zhu Yuanzhang’s eldest brother’s eldest son, older brother to Zhu Wenzheng, who died early in the chaotic times.

Zhu Yuanzhang continued proudly, “I was clever. Whenever brother-in-law took sister home, he’d carry bundles of rice and flour, and always snacks. We had to eat first or father and mother would scold me.”

Li Zhen laughed, “Your sister liked you then—you’re the youngest. She didn’t enjoy much with me, but seeing you so accomplished now, that’s good.”

“Why didn’t she enjoy it?” Zhu Yuanzhang grumbled. “We never had enough to eat or wear, and the work was heavy. Following brother-in-law meant full meals and meat. The chaotic times were tough—sickness too. No blame on brother-in-law.”

After Ma Xiuying questioned Ma Xun carefully about the campaign, she began preparing meals with her daughters. They ate first, then talked—no formalities, just casual conversation.