Chapter 35: Little Great Ming War God

A few people took their seats, and the servant served hot tea.

Li Zhen sighed, "Back then Yong Er got lost, your mother cried for months; now she's been found, truly Heaven's blessing."

Zhu Biao nodded, "Yes, mother has been very happy these days, she asks the second brother to dine at Kunning Palace every day."

"Right, right, Yong Er, are you still accustomed to military life?" Li Zhen kept nodding, then looked at Zhu Yong.

"I'm accustomed; General Chang and General Lan have both been very good to me," Zhu Yong said honestly.

Li Wenzhong laughed, "General Chang came to the residence the other day, talked about Yong Er's three‑hammer breach of the gate at Kaiping City, speaking animatedly; he said he's never seen such bravery in his life."

Zhu Biao also laughed, "The second brother truly has Divine Strength from birth."

As they spoke, children's laughter came from outside.

A five‑ or six‑year‑old boy ran in, wearing a brocade jacket, his cheeks flushed red.

He saw guests in the hall, froze for a moment, then hid behind Li Wenzhong.

"Jinglong, come meet the two uncles," Li Wenzhong pulled his son out.

Li Jinglong looked timidly at Zhu Biao and Zhu Yong, whispering, "Crown Prince uncle, hello… Wu King uncle, hello."

Zhu Yong looked at the little boy, something stirred in his heart.

Li Jinglong…

…this name he remembers. In his past‑life memories, this was a renowned Jianwen Dynasty great general, a figure whose one battle cost tens of thousands of soldiers.

However, the current Li Jinglong is still a babyish child.

Zhu Yong took an oiled paper packet from his bosom, inside were several pieces of Osmanthus candy made by the Imperial Kitchen.

He handed it over, saying, "Here, sweet."

Li Jinglong's eyes lit up, took the candy, and in a babyish voice said, "Thank you, Uncle Wu King."

Li Zhen laughed, "This child only loves sweets."

Zhu Biao looked at Li Jinglong, speaking gently, "Jinglong, how old are you?"

"Five years old," Li Jinglong held up five fingers.

"Can you read yet?"

"I know a bit; father taught me the Thousand Character Classic."

Li Wenzhong patted his son's head and said, "The child is fairly clever, just mischievous."

The few of them chatted about family matters for a while longer.

Li Zhen asked about the Northern Campaign, and Zhu Biao gave a brief reply.

【8】 When he heard Zhu Yong slash Yesu in formation, Li Zhen exclaimed repeatedly, "Remarkable, remarkable! At fourteen already possessing such skill, he will surely become a pillar of the nation."

When Li Zhen heard Zhu Yong's formation slash of Yesu, Li Zhen repeatedly exclaimed, "Incredible, incredible! At fourteen already has such skill; in the future will surely be a pillar of the nation."

Li Wenzhong replied, "Yong Er's bravery is good, but the battlefield is perilous; we must be careful. I heard Kuokuo Tiemuer has gathered the remnants, and next year there will surely be a battle."

Zhu Biao nodded, "Father thinks the same, but with the second brother here, we aren't afraid of Kuokuo."

As they spoke, the steward came in reporting, "Sir, the noon meal is ready."

"Very well, Crown Prince, Wu King, shall we eat while we chat…," Li Zhen stood up and invited.

"Let everything be arranged by uncle."

Zhu Biao smiled and replied.

The noon meal was set in the back hall.

The dishes were not extravagant, but very hearty.

Stewed lamb, braised fish, stir‑fried seasonal vegetables, and a pot of steaming chicken soup.

Li Zhen personally ladled soup for Zhu Biao and Zhu Yong, saying, "It's cold; drink some hot soup to warm yourselves."

Zhu Biao took it, "Thank you, uncle."

Zhu Yong also took it and drank in big gulps.

Li Zhen watched Zhu Yong eat, laughing, "Yong Er has a great appetite."

"He! Can eat three big bowls in one sitting," Zhu Biao also laughed.

Li Jinglong sat beside Li Wenzhong, taking small bites, his eyes constantly stealing glances at Zhu Yong.

He whispered to Li Wenzhong, "Father, can Uncle Wu King really smash a city gate with a single hammer?"

Li Wenzhong nodded, "General Chang saw it with his own eyes; it can't be wrong."

Li Jinglong's eyes flashed with admiration.

After the noon meal, Zhu Biao and Li Wenzhong went to the study to talk, while Zhu Yong stayed in the courtyard playing with Li Jinglong.

Li Jinglong held a small wooden sword, gesturing, "Uncle Wu King, can you teach me to wield a hammer?"

Zhu Yong shook his head, "You're still young; you can't lift the hammer."

"Then when will I be able to lift it?"

"When you grow up."

Li Jinglong was a bit disappointed, but soon became excited again, saying, "Then Uncle Wu King, tell me about war!"

Zhu Yong thought for a moment, and briefly recounted the breach of Kaiping City gate.

He didn't mention much gore, only how to smash the door and rush inside.

Li Jinglong listened intently, his little fist clenched tightly.

In the study, Zhu Biao and Li Wenzhong's conversation was much more serious.

"Wen Zhong, has the Left Military Governor's Office received the disaster‑relief silver for Zhejiang's floods?" Zhu Biao asked.

Li Wenzhong nodded, "Received; as per the Crown Prince's order, troops have been dispatched to escort it to Zhejiang, but… I heard there is some movement locally."

"What movement?"

"Someone wants to get a hold of this batch of silver; within the Zhejiang Provincial Administration Commission, several officials are colluding with local gentry, hoping to take a share," Li Wenzhong said gravely.

Zhu Biao's eyes turned cold as he said, "Do you have the list?"

Li Wenzhong took a secret report from the drawer and said, "This was delivered by the inspector, and I made a copy."

Zhu Biao took it, examined it closely, and his complexion grew darker the more he read.

The list contained seven people; their official ranks were low, but each held a critical position.

If they joined forces, they could indeed embezzle a lot of silver.

"Cousin, what do you think should be done?" Zhu Biao asked.

Li Wenzhong replied, "According to the law they should be executed, but these people have considerable backing. If we act rashly, we might scare the snakes in the grass. Better to hold them steady, wait until the money reaches the destination, and catch them red‑handed when they reach out."

Zhu Biao pondered briefly, nodded, and said, "Cousin is right, but we can't wait too long; the disaster victims can't wait. Tomorrow I'll have the Censorate send an Imperial Censor to investigate covertly; once verified, we'll arrest them at once."

"The Crown Prince is wise," Li Wenzhong said.

Zhu Biao put away the list and added, "One more matter. Father said that if we go to war next spring, he wants the second brother to join the army. Cousin, what do you think?"

Li Wenzhong thought for a moment and said, "King Wu is brave; his presence with the troops would boost morale, but he is still young and has never commanded an army alone. Better to have him train for a few months at my Left Military Governor's Office to become familiar with military affairs."

"Good idea, then I owe you, cousin," Zhu Biao laughed.

"Family, no need for formalities."

The two continued discussing state affairs for a while, until the beginning of the Shen Hour, when Zhu Biao finally rose to take his leave.

Li Zhen and Li Wenzhong escorted them to the doorway.

"Biao, Yong Er, come often," Li Zhen said, holding Zhu Biao's hand.

"Certainly, Uncle. My father has told you countless times that he wants you to stay in the palace for a while, yet you refuse..." Zhu Biao nodded.

"What does it matter that an outsider old man lives in the palace..." Li Zhen shook his head.

Zhu Yong said earnestly, "Uncle, I will come often."

Li Jinglong tugged at Zhu Yong's sleeve and said, "Cousin Uncle King Wu, next time come teach me martial arts!"

"Alright," Zhu Yong patted his head.

The carriage departed from Cao Guo Gong Fu.

Zhu Biao leaned against the carriage compartment, closed his eyes, and rested.

Zhu Yong fished a oiled paper packet from his bosom; inside was a snack that cousin aunt had forcefully stuffed into him.

He handed Zhu Biao a piece and said, "Big brother, eat."

Zhu Biao took it, took a bite, and said, "Second brother, what do you think of Uncle's family?"

"Fine, Uncle is kind, cousin is steady, little Jinglong… quite cute," Zhu Yong answered honestly.

Zhu Biao smiled, "Indeed, they are all genuine people. Father often says Uncle is one of the people he trusts most."

Zhu Yong nodded.

There are still nine pills in the system space; one was used to save Chang Yuchun.

If uncle or cousin encounter trouble later, he must be saved.