Chapter 53: Marriage Arrangements

The night deepened, and the charcoal fire grew weaker.

A thousand li away in Yingtian Fu, the imperial palace presented a different scene.

In Kunning Palace, Empress Ma was holding needle and thread, mending an old garment.

Zhu Yuanzhang sat on the chair opposite her, holding a military report, reading it over and over, a smile tugging at his mouth.

"Girl, look, our Yong Er has earned merit again! A great victory at Shen'er Valley, capturing Kuokuo alive, that's a sky‑splitting achievement!"

Empress Ma didn't lift her head, speaking softly: "Whether it's merit or not, as long as people are safe it's fine; on the battlefield swords have no eyes, and my heart—always hanging in suspense."

Zhu Yuanzhang set the report down, walked to sit beside her, and took her hand: "I know you're worried, but Yong Er is no ordinary mortal; he's a deity descended to earth. Look at what's written in this report: 'Prince Wu leads the charge, Double Hammers cut a swath, the enemy flees in terror.' Great Ming having such a fierce general is a blessing!"

Empress Ma paused her needlework and sighed: "Blessings are blessings, but he's only fifteen, should be in the palace studying and practicing calligraphy, learning principles with Biao Er, yet now he spends every day fighting on the battlefield... As his mother, my heart is uneasy."

Zhu Yuanzhang was silent for a moment, then whispered: "Girl, I understand your feelings, but Yong Er is no ordinary child; he's a celestial general star that fell into our Zhu family."

If you keep him confined to the palace, he'll feel stifled. Look now—on the battlefield he's like a fish in water; the soldiers respect and love him. Chang Yuchun, Lan Yu and those other fierce generals treat him as a brother. Isn't that fine?

Empress Ma's eyes reddened slightly, and she nodded: "I just... just can't bear to let go."

Just then, footsteps sounded from outside.

Zhu Biao entered.

"Father, Mother."

"Biao Er, come in, sit," Zhu Yuanzhang beckoned.

Zhu Biao sat down, glanced at the old garment in his mother's hands, recognized it as one Zhu Yong had worn in his youth, and understood instantly.

"Mother, are you thinking of your second son again?"

Empress Ma wiped the corner of her eye and smiled: "Whether I think about it or not, it makes no difference. Biao Er, your timing is perfect; I have something to discuss with you."

"Please speak, Mother."

"My husband and I intend to arrange your marriage this year; when Bo Ren returns from Lanzhou, we'll bring Chang Wan to marry into the Eastern Palace. What do you think?"

Zhu Biao's face flushed, and he whispered: "It's entirely up to Father and Mother."

Zhu Yuanzhang laughed heartily: "Look, our Biao Er is even shy! That reckless Chang Yuchun gave birth to a fine lady. Biao Er, Chang Wan is a child we are very pleased with, she is worthy of you."

Zhu Biao nodded: "Miss Chang is wonderful."

Empress Ma said contentedly: "Then it's settled. When Yong Er and the others return to the capital, we'll begin preparations. Biao Er, you are the Crown Prince; the marriage must not be handled carelessly, it must be done splendidly."

"Thank you, Mother."

Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly said: "Speaking of the marriage, Kuokuo's sister, Minmin Temur, how do you think she matches with Yong Er?"

Empress Ma and Zhu Biao were both startled.

"Zhong Ba, this is..."

Zhu Yuanzhang, his tone serious, said: "Girl, listen to me. Kuokuo's surrender is a good thing, but he is a famed Northern Yuan general, highly respected on the Grassland.

We want to use him, yet we must guard against him. If we marry his sister to Yong Er, it will both appease and restrain him. Yong Er is simple‑minded, doesn't grasp such intricacies, but we must think on his behalf."

Empress Ma frowned: "But that girl is a Northern Yuan person, Yong Er..."

"What about Northern Yuan people? Great Ming embraces all rivers; as long as they submit, they're our people. Besides, Yong Er's nature—marrying a Grassland girl might suit him even better.

Look at him, brandishing spears and staffs all day, like a wild horse; an ordinary woman couldn't control him," Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand and said.

Zhu Biao pondered: "Father makes a good point. Second brother is simple‑minded; marrying a plain‑hearted Grassland girl would be easy. Marrying a more scheming one would cause trouble later.

Moreover, if this marriage goes through, it would greatly help pacify the former Northern Yuan troops."

Empress Ma, hearing father and son speak so, relaxed: "Then... we still need to ask Yong Er's opinion."

Zhu Yuanzhang laughed: "Why ask? We've decided for him; he can't be displeased. Yong Er always follows our word. When he returns to the capital, we'll tell him, and he'll surely nod earnestly."

Zhu Biao also laughed: "Second brother is indeed so, but we still should ask second brother himself."

Empress Ma shook her head helplessly, yet in her heart she mulled over that Northern Yuan girl.

The battle report mentioned a few lines, saying the girl, after being captured, neither cried nor caused a fuss, showing considerable spirit.

If she truly becomes a daughter‑in‑law, we'll have to watch her closely.

"Zhong Ba, how is that girl... as a person?" she couldn't help asking.

Zhu Yuanzhang scratched his head: "How would we know? We'd have to ask Xu Da and the others. But Kuokuo is a man, his sister should be fine."

"Girl, rest assured, when we return to the capital, you'll meet her first; if she's unsuitable, we'll think of another plan."

Empress Ma finally nodded.

Zhu Biao added: "Father, when will second brother and the others return to the capital?"

"Soon, the Imperial Edict has been issued; we estimate within half a month it will reach Lanzhou. Once Xu Da receives the edict, he'll marshal the troops back to the court. Counting the days, early June we can arrive at the capital."

"Then, son, go prepare the reception arrangements."

"Alright, go. Make it respectable; we must properly reward the three armies!"

Zhu Biao rose, performed a bow, and exited Kunning Palace.

Inside the hall, only the elderly couple remained.

Empress Ma picked up needle and thread, continued mending the old garment, and softly asked: "Zhong Ba, what do you think Yong Er's reaction will be when he learns he's to be married?"

Zhu Yuanzhang imagined and laughed: "That simple boy will surely scratch his head, say he'll obey Father, then eat and drink as if nothing's amiss."

Empress Ma also laughed; as she laughed, tears welled again at the corner of her eyes.

Her Yong Er has grown up.

Lanzhou Military Camp.

Zhu Yong sneezed and rubbed his nose.

Guanyin Nu asked concernedly: "Your Highness caught a chill?"

"No, just an itchy nose," Zhu Yong said naively, continuing to gnaw the newly taken lamb chop.

Meanwhile, some men beside them had already started to make a ruckus.

Zhu Yong had gotten used to it long ago.

Guanyin Nu watched the scene, and the corner of their mouth involuntarily lifted.

These days, Guanyin Nu had been following the Ming army from Shen'er Valley to Lanzhou, and had become accustomed to the generals' boldness.

At first it seemed coarse, but now it feels… genuine.

Of course, the men on the Grassland are even cruder, whether nobles or commoners.

However, because some have stayed in Zhongyuan for a while, some nobles have also begun to put on airs.

"Prince, what's Yingtian Prefecture like?" Guanyin Nu suddenly asked.

Zhu Yong thought for a moment and said, "It's huge, crowded, the buildings are tall, the palace is even more magnificent, but I think the camp is still more comfortable."

"Prince doesn't like the palace?"

"It's not that I dislike it; it's just full of rules. In the camp, you eat when you want, sleep when you want—how great."

Guanyin Nu chuckled lightly, "Then when the Prince returns to the capital, won't it be uncomfortable?"

Zhu Yong grinned foolishly, "No problem, I have a way. I'll go find General Chang and General Lan, or just wander the camp. After all, I'm a prince; no one dares to control me."

His words sounded righteous and bold, making Guanyin Nu laugh out loud.

Zhu Yong saw them laugh and laughed along.

The firelight fell on the two faces, warm and cozy.

More drumbeats came from afar, and the night was already deep.

A few guys finally got tired of arguing, flopped onto the table and fell into a deep sleep. Wang Gui and Mu Ying strained to help them back into the tent.

Zhu Yong stood up, brushed the dust off themselves, and said to Guanyin Nu, "I'll take you back."

The two walked side by side through the camp.

The May night breeze was slightly cool, dispersing the scent of Wine.

Guanyin Nu suddenly said, "Prince, thank you."

"Thank me for what?"

"Thank you… for letting my Elder Brother survive, and thank you for caring for me these days."

Zhu Yong scratched their head and said, "No need to thank me; it's only natural."

Guanyin Nu stopped, looked at their profile, and under Moonlight that simple, earnest face appeared especially clear.

"Prince, when I reach Yingtian, can I come find you to talk?"

Zhu Yong nodded, "Sure, my Wang Fu is just outside the palace, not far. If you want to come, you can. My mother said I should make more friends; you're my friend, so of course you can come."

Friends…

Guanyin Nu's heart stirred, and they nodded.

"Alright, it's settled."

"It's settled."

The two continued forward, their shadows stretching long under Moonlight.

The camp's bonfire gradually faded, leaving only a few lanterns flickering in the night.

Tomorrow, the Imperial Edict should arrive.

Then, the road back to the capital.