Chapter 50 Leaving the Palace

Although a residence outside the imperial palace had been established for him, the courtyard he previously occupied within the palace walls was still kept ready.

The first day back in the capital was spent reuniting with relatives and family. On the second morning, Ma Xun slept until he naturally woke up, and was subsequently summoned to the Rouyi Palace.

Ma Xiuwen showered him with warm affection and inquiries, continuously asking about various details of his military campaign, including his personal insights and thoughts. Naturally, Ma Xun held back very little, honestly answering what ought to be said.

On the third day, he still remained within the palace, heading over to the Imperial Hospital to discuss in detail with the imperial physicians the medicinal properties and combinations of tangerine peel, as well as conservative treatment plans for asthma.

Ma Xun was now truly an accomplished master of medicine. Although he mostly listened and rarely spoke, very few dared to deceive him.

The Grand General and the Imperial Uncle had returned in triumph. Grand General Xu entered the palace the same day, and it was said that the Emperor and Empress personally hosted a banquet to welcome him. Upon leaving the palace, he was escorted by the Crown Prince himself—truly a testament to being the sovereign's most trusted commander.

Countless people wished to pay their respects to Xu Da, but lacked the opportunity, for he had always maintained a cautious and modest demeanor, reluctant to mingle extensively with various social circles.

The Imperial Uncle, however, was quite different. Previously, there had been no valid reason to pay a formal visit, but now that he had returned victorious, offering congratulations was only natural.

Yet, the Imperial Uncle who had entered the palace went completely silent. One day, two days, three days passed without a single stir, and this Right Commander still had not attended court!

Even more people craned their necks in anticipation. Rumors had long circulated that the Emperor and Empress cherished this "recovered" Imperial Uncle beyond measure.

Looking at the current situation, previous estimations seemed to have understated the reality.

Ma Xun stayed in the palace for a full five days, spending his time either conversing with Li Zhen, chatting with Ma Xiuying, conferring with the group of imperial physicians, or driving a pack of nephews to study.

While his nephews studied, he did not. Although the Empress had ordered someone to teach Ma Xun calligraphy, they had only managed to correct his pen-holding posture thus far.

Seeing that the time was right, Ma Xun sought out Ma Xiuying. "Sister, it is time for me to move out of the palace."

"You," Ma Xiuying said with a helpless sigh, "I thought you had matured and grown closer to us, yet you still remain distant and formal everywhere."

Ma Xun hurriedly explained, "It is not about keeping distance. If I truly felt distant, I wouldn't have peacefully stayed in the palace for all these days. Given my temperament, if I wanted to keep my distance, I would have found a way to slip away long ago, and nobody would ever find me."

Zhu Jingru and Zhu Jingxhan, who were busy with needlework, could not help but laugh. They believed their uncle was entirely capable of doing just that.

Ma Xiuying could not help smiling either. "Once you leave the palace, do not hole up in your mansion all day, nor should you spend all your time teasing those Chang boys. Go out, walk around, and get to know more people."

Ma Xun then asked, "I met quite a few people on this expedition. Sister, which ones are worth frequenting?"

"Frequent those whom Biaoer has previously introduced to you. As for others, if you find your aspirations aligned, you may associate with them as well," Ma Xiuying urged earnestly. "There is no need to be so overly cautious. If any trouble truly arises, your brother-in-law and I will shield you."

Ma Xun still could not resist saying, "Wouldn't that just be adding trouble for you both?"

At this, Ma Xiuying turned stern. "You are my younger brother; taking care of you is a matter of course. In the future, when your brother-in-law and I are gone, you will need to look after your nephews, and that too will be a matter of course."

Ma Xun could not hold his tongue again. "Biaoer doesn't need me to look after him. He possesses immense capability, to the extent that he sometimes makes me feel apprehensive."

Upon reflection, Ma Xiuying remarked, "Biaoer is truly close to you. His temperament resembles your brother-in-law's—he fiercely protects his own family. In fact, he is even better than your brother-in-law, whose stubbornness can be entirely unreasonable."

Ma Xun nodded repeatedly, then chimed in, "Sister, may I be excused from attending court?"

Ma Xiuying thought about it seriously before replying, "It is not entirely out of the question, but there are times when you ought to go. When you are required to attend court, I will give you advance notice. When you have nothing to do, visit your father-in-law more often and let him teach you the ways of officialdom."

Seeing Ma Xun beam with joy and nod vigorously, Ma Xiuying suddenly felt that her advice had been completely wasted.

Even without her saying anything, this younger brother of hers would surely find an excuse to frequent Liu Bowen's residence. Yet, in all likelihood, it would not be to seek instruction on the ways of officialdom; this child simply never applied his mind to proper matters.

With these thoughts, Ma Xiuying could not help sighing, "Truly, a nephew takes after his uncle—they are cut from the exact same cloth."

Ma Xun smiled and rose to his feet. "Then I shall head back first. I must go and pay my respects to Eldest Brother-in-law."

Ma Xiuying asked, "Will you not bid farewell to your brother-in-law?"

"He is busy; I shall not go and disturb him," Ma Xun replied. "Sister, you should also persuade Brother-in-law not to overwork himself."

Taking advantage of the moment Ma Xun stepped out into the courtyard, Ma Xiuying instructed, "Have the second and third boys escort their uncle back to his mansion."

Ma Xun hurried to the courtyard, first greeted Li Zhen, and then happily pulled Wangcai along with his luggage on his back, ready to depart from the palace.

"Uncle!"
"Uncle!"

Zhu Shuang and Zhu Pi arrived, both youths looking exceedingly pleased. "Empress Mother told us to escort Uncle back, and said we should let Uncle train us and broaden our horizons."

Fabricating an imperial edict was one thing, but did they also want to shift the blame onto him?

Ma Xun flatly refused, "When I return, I naturally have my own retainers and household guards. With my peerless martial prowess throughout the realm, do I need the likes of you to escort me?"

Zhu Shuang showed him no courtesy whatsoever. "We all know what kind of martial arts Uncle possesses; someone still needs to lead the way and escort you back."

"The two of you are to turn back the moment you pass the palace gates. In a few days, I will take you out to play," Ma Xun began offering empty promises, adding, "Right now, countless eyes in the capital are watching me. I do not wish to draw high-profile attention."

Zhu Shuang and Zhu Pi tried every argument, but to no avail, because their uncle was stubbornly set in his ways.

The moment they stepped out of the palace gates, He Da and the others immediately emerged. Having spent the past few days waiting outside while Ma Xun was confined within the palace, they were simply standing guard to receive the Imperial Uncle and welcome him back to his estate.

Ma Xun pushed away the crestfallen Zhu Shuang and Zhu Pi. "All right, escorting me this far is enough. You two head back first."

"Imperial Uncle!" He Da stepped forward joyfully, taking the luggage as he said, "Everyone in the mansion has been waiting for your return."

Ma Xun smiled and replied, "Next time, there is no need to wait. I never know how many days I will be asked to stay in the palace."

He Da said with utmost solemnity, "I had nothing to do anyway, so waiting was no trouble. How could the Imperial Uncle enter the palace without us retainers keeping vigil outside?"

As the group chatted and laughed along the way, numerous watchful observers quickly spread the news: The Imperial Uncle has left the palace!

"Father! Mother!" Chang Mao rushed into the courtyard like a gust of wind, shouting, "Uncle is back!"

Chang Yuchun, who had still been dozing off, instantly bolted upright. "Quick, quick, quick! Go out and welcome your uncle!"

Madam Chang also said in a fluster, "Go call your sister, everyone wait outside! Have your aunt come over as well, hurry!"

Ma Xun rode on his horse, surveying his surroundings. "Southern regions are still better—crowded and lively. Guanzhong is completely desolate by now."

He Da remarked, "That is only natural. The capital is the most virtuous place under heaven!"

Yet, the next moment, He Da added, "Imperial Uncle, these past few days countless people have wanted to send gifts. Not daring to make decisions on our own, we didn't accept a single one. We kept all the invitation cards and calling cards that were delivered, but gave no replies."

Ma Xun decisively stated, "Do not accept them. I will naturally visit close family and friends myself, but there is no need to join the hustle and bustle with strangers. Accepting gifts won't make one rich, but it can easily invite a mountain of trouble."

Before Ma Xun even reached his doorstep, he spotted a large crowd gathered from afar. It had never been this lively before, had it?

He Da immediately puffed out his chest with pride. "They are all scions and stewards from various noble houses, carrying gift lists and hoping to see the Imperial Uncle."

"Clear the way! Get lost!" a boorish voice bellowed, scattering the crowd. "My brother is back, who dares block his path!"

Vigorous, tall, and robust, Chang Yuchun appeared full of life right within Ma Xun's line of sight.

Chang Wan immediately stepped forward, leading her younger brothers to kneel. "Your niece (nephews) kowtow to express our gratitude to Uncle for sparing our lives!"

Ma Xun hurriedly leaped down from his saddle and strode forward. "Get up! All of you get up, what kind of behavior is this!"

"If you won't let my children kneel, are you asking me to kowtow to you instead?" Chang Yuchun seized Ma Xun's shoulders with his massive hands. "Then you just stand there, and your sister-in-law and I will kowtow to you."

Ma Xun grew frantic. "Brother Chang, this is no time for such jokes!"

"Then you shall accept this courtesy!" Chang Yuchun said earnestly. "You saved their father, what is wrong with kowtowing to you? Even if the Emperor or the Crown Prince were standing right here, I would say the exact same thing!"

Madam Chang smiled and nodded, though she instantly felt a trace of annoyance. That sister-in-law of hers was always a step behind, arriving late precisely when matters of importance were taking place!