Chapter 92: Visiting Li Zhen

Hongwu Year Four, third day of the sixth month.

Just as dawn broke, the training ground in the rear courtyard of the Wu Prince's residence had already become lively.

"Straighten your waist! Your punches must be powerful!"

Zhu Yong stood in the middle of the field, holding a slender bamboo pole in his hand, watching the four younger brothers in front of him holding the horse stance.

Zhu Shuang, Zhu Gang, Zhu Di and Zhu Su lined up, each drenched in sweat, their legs trembling.

"Second Prince... can... can we rest a bit?" Zhu Shuang gasped.

"You want to rest after just one incense stick? Can the enemy on the battlefield let you rest?" Zhu Yong glared.

Zhu Gang, with a sour face, said, "Second Prince, we aren't even at war..."

"You still have to train, to strengthen body and health, and besides, who says you won't go to war later? The world is vast, there are many battles to fight... your posture is crooked again," Zhu Yong said after lightly tapping his back with the bamboo pole.

"Sss... Second Prince, take it easy..."

Zhu Gang and the others didn't understand what Second Prince meant by 'the world is vast,' they just felt a bit uncomfortable.

Zhu Di clenched his teeth; although also tired, he forced himself to endure without a word.

Zhu Su, the youngest, had a face already flushed red, and it seemed he was about to collapse.

Zhu Yong walked over, steadied his shoulder and said, "Old Six, hold on for ten breaths; count to ten and then rest."

"One, two, three..." Zhu Su counted softly, his eyes fixed on the ground.

When he reached ten, Zhu Yong nodded and said, "Alright, rest for a quarter hour."

The four boys, as if granted a pardon, plopped down onto the ground.

Zhu Shuang thumped his leg and complained, "Second Prince, you practice on us enough, but why not even spare Old Six?"

"Old Six's body is weak, so he needs more training," Zhu Yong said, sitting on a stone bench and taking the towel handed over by Xiao Zhu to wipe sweat.

Since returning from the Northern Campaign, he has begun leading the younger brothers in morning training.

Every morning they rise at the hour of Mao and train until the hour of Chen.

Initially Empress Ma felt sorry for them, but later, seeing the children's complexion improve and their appetite increase, she said nothing more.

Zhu Yuanzhang, however, was very supportive: "Train! Everyone should train! The sons of the Zhu Family cannot be soft‑bones."

After a quarter hour's rest, Zhu Yong rose and said, "Come, let's continue practicing the fist method."

The four hurried to stand, following Zhu Yong to learn the punches.

This fist method was created by Zhu Yong himself; it has no fancy moves, just straightforward attacks, emphasizing speed, ferocity, and precision.

Zhu Di learned most earnestly, striving for perfection in every move.

Zhu Shuang and Zhu Gang slacked off a lot, their motions soft and limp.

Zhu Yong said no more, the bamboo pole serving.

"Pa!"

"Ah!" Zhu Shuang jumped up, covering his rear.

"Make your movements more precise," Zhu Yong said expressionlessly.

Zhu Shuang, with a sour face, had no choice but to become serious.

Training continued until the end of the Chen hour, finally concluding.

The four boys were drenched all over, as if pulled out of water.

"Go back and wash up, have breakfast," Zhu Yong said.

"Second Prince, can we start later tomorrow?" Zhu Gang asked tentatively.

"No, at Mao hour; being late adds half an hour of extra training."

The four let out a wail, supporting each other as they left.

Zhu Yong looked at their backs and gave a simple smile.

At that moment, Guanyin Nu walked over, carrying a tea tray.

"Prince, you've worked hard, have a sip of tea."

Zhu Yong took the cup, drank it in one gulp and said, "Not hard at all; these boys must train or they won't be okay."

Guanyin Nu smiled, "I've seen them become sturdier these days; the Imperial Mother even said Old Six's complexion has improved a lot."

"Hmm, training strengthens the body. By the way, today we're going to Cao Guo Gong Fu; you prepare," Zhu Yong said, setting down the cup.

"Yes, the gifts are already prepared."

…

At three quarters past Shi Jing, in front of the Wu Prince's residence.

Two carriages were ready to park.

Zhu Yong and Guanyin Nu sat in one carriage, the other behind loaded with gifts.

Zhang Wuhe and Chen Heng rode to guard, accompanied by eight Imperial Troops.

Cao Guo Gong Fu is in the western city, not far from the Wu Prince's residence.

It took only two quarter hours to arrive.

The carriage stopped at the gate, and a young servant had already gone in to report.

Zhu Yong and Guanyin Nu got off, and Li Zhen was already out to greet them.

"Old servant has seen Prince Wu, and the Wu King Consort," Li Zhen bowed and saluted.

Zhu Yong hurried forward, steadied her and said, "Uncle, no need for formalities; we are all family."

Li Zhen is Zhu Yuanzhang's brother‑in‑law; his sister Zhu Fo Nu died early, and Zhu Yuanzhang has always taken good care of him, granting him the title of Cao Guo Gong.

The elderly man is in his fifties, his hair speckled with gray, but his spirit remains good.

"Please come in quickly, please come in quickly," Li Zhen said with a smile.

The party entered the residence.

Li Wenzhong also stepped out from inside, saw Zhu Yong, and with a bow said, "Greetings, cousin."

"Cousin elder," Zhu Yong replied.

Everyone arrived at the main hall and sat down.

A maid served tea and snacks.

Li Zhen sized up Zhu Yong, sighing, "Yong Er, this Northern Campaign achieved great merit, good, good! By settling the North once and for all, Great Ming now faces far fewer threats."

"Uncle, you flatter me," Zhu Yong said with a goofy smile.

"No need for compliments, no need," Li Zhen shook his head and said.

Li Wenzhong also happily said, "Cousin, the Battle of Bu Yu Er Hai made your name resound across the world; the brothers in the army greatly admire you."

After all, Wu Wang was his pupil; when someone praised Zhu Yong, he was also very pleased.

It was only this Northern Expedition that he missed the grassland; otherwise he would have let the grassland people know of Li Wenzhong's renowned name.

Zhu Yong scratched his head, not knowing how to respond.

Guanyin Nu saw this, and in a warm voice said, "Prince, you are merely fulfilling your duty; Uncle and cousin have overpraised you."

Li Zhen looked toward Guanyin Nu, nodded and said, "Princess is correct; we are all family, no need for polite talk."

He turned to the maid and said, "Go call Li Jinglong."

Soon, a boy about five years old was led in.

It was Li Jinglong.

The little fellow, fierce and spirited, upon seeing Zhu Yong immediately shouted happily, "Cousin uncle, Wu Wang cousin uncle..."

The boy knew that this Wu Wang cousin uncle was very kind to him; each time he came, he would bring delicious food.

Everyone laughed.

Zhu Yong beckoned him forward, "Here, the candy you like..."

Li Jinglong stepped before him, gazed at the candy, and gladly took it, then politely said, "Thank you, Wu Wang cousin uncle."

"Jinglong, you must not be rude," Li Wenzhong hurriedly said.

"Cousin, no need to be so strict; the second little girl is still young!" Zhu Yong said with a goofy smile, patting Li Jinglong's head.

Li Jinglong, hearing this beside him, quickly nodded in agreement, after all, he was still a child.

Li Zhen sighed, "This child only likes the Prince; many times he has asked why the Prince hasn't come to see him."

"Seems I'm still quite popular; when the second little girl gets older, I'll train her in martial arts..."

"That's wonderful!" Li Zhen said happily.

The group chatted about everyday matters for a while.

Zhu Yong asked about Li Zhen's health; Li Zhen said it's an old ailment, he coughs whenever the weather changes.

Zhu Yong recalled that there were nine pills in the system space, but after thinking, he didn't take them out lightly.

However, he noted it in his mind; when the chance arises, he can give Uncle one.

At noon they ate a meal at Cao Guo Gong Fu.

Li Zhen, being older, felt fatigued after a little wine and went to rest first.

Li Wenzhong kept Zhu Yong company in conversation.

"Cousin, the Northern Frontier has been secured, but some tribes still resist authority; they still need proper governance," Li Wenzhong said.

Zhu Yong nodded, "I know, Father sent Uncle Tang to garrison there; it should be fine."

"General Tang He is naturally reliable, but cousin, I heard someone in the court suggested moving the capital to Fengyang; what do you think of this?" Li Wenzhong paused briefly and said.

Zhu Yong was startled, "Father mentioned it, but it wasn't decided."

"Moving the capital is a huge matter; if it truly happens, the families like Yingtian will probably cause trouble," Li Wenzhong said in a lowered voice.

Zhu Yong frowned, "They dare?"

"They wouldn't dare openly, but behind the scenes they'd certainly use traps; cousin, you now hold high rank and authority, and are a close royal relative; some people may have designs on you," Li Wenzhong said.

"Have designs on me?" Zhu Yong was puzzled.

"For example, marriage alliances; although you have married the princess, according to the law, a prince may take a secondary consort, so those families could try to send their daughters into Wu Wang's residence; it's not impossible," Li Wenzhong said bluntly.

Zhu Yong shook his head and replied, "I don't want any; Minmin is enough for me."

Li Zhen laughed, "Cousin, being devoted is good, but I'm afraid some people won't give up."

"If they don't give up, I'll strike them out; my hammer doesn't discriminate," Zhu Yong said naively.

Li Wenzhong laughed heartily, "Good! As befits you, cousin!"

The two talked about military affairs for a while, until the Shen Hour; Zhu Yong and Guanyin Nu took their leave.

On the way back to the residence, Guanyin Nu asked softly, "Prince, cousin said someone wants to send people into the residence…"

"Don't worry, I won't need anyone else; you are enough," Zhu Yong said, holding her hand.

Guanyin Nu's cheeks flushed slightly, her heart feeling sweet.

Even so, Guanyin Nu still said, "Prince, you must not; otherwise it would make me appear a jealous concubine..."

"Who dares to say..."