In court, Zhu Yunying only briefly mentioned a few things; there was no need to reveal all his cards at once. Some things require a trigger, and some things need to be done step by step—there's absolutely no problem with that.

After the court session ended, Zhu Yunying summoned Chang Mao to the Wuying Hall, where he could have a good talk with his maternal uncle about some things.

As Wang Chengen's lackey, Liu Shaolin flattered Chang Mao, saying, "Lord Kaiping, His Majesty has decreed that you be summoned to the palace."

Chang Mao, who was sitting in the office of the Five Military Governors, immediately stood up and said, "Let's go, lead the way."

"His Majesty is in a bad mood today." Liu Shaolin was trained by Wang Chengen and knew what to say and what not to say. "When the Duke goes over today, he must not anger His Majesty."

Chang Mao nodded slightly. Although he was Zhu Yunying's maternal uncle and had a close relationship with him over the years, there was still a difference between the emperor and his subject. Chang Mao was aware of certain things and knew that he could not offend the emperor in certain ways, nor could he act arbitrarily just because he was the emperor's maternal uncle.

Being the emperor's maternal uncle can sometimes be a rather awkward position. Moreover, Chang Mao was not only a relative of the emperor but also the eldest son of Chang Yuchun, the Prince of Kaiping, and a Duke of the Ming Dynasty, representing the highest level of military merit.

Wang Chengen whispered to Zhu Yunying, "Your Majesty, the Duke of Kaiguo is requesting an audience outside the palace."

Zhu Yunying immediately put down his brush and said, "Summon the Duke of the Founding Kingdom to a seat."

Upon seeing Chang Mao enter the hall, Zhu Yunying greeted him with a smile, saying, "Uncle, please don't stand on ceremony, just sit down. I remember Mother once told me that you used to be the one who protected her the most."

Chang Mao felt a warmth in his heart. He was one of the first people to know that Emperor Ying Shi was precocious. He knew that Emperor Ying Shi was different from other children. He had shown extraordinary intelligence at a very young age and knew that Emperor Ying Shi had started to remember things at a very young age.

Although Lady Chang was actually a year older than Chang Mao, making her his older sister, she was still protected by him when she was in charge of her younger brother. After all, when Lady Chang and Chang Mao were young, Zhu Yuanzhang was still conquering the country.

Even though Zhu Yuanzhang's power was considerable at that time, and even though Empress Ma managed the families of Zhu Yuanzhang's troops, children still get along and sometimes quarrel. This naturally meant that conflicts would sometimes arise.

It is said that Da Zhu was once beaten by Chang Shi. Because they were the same age, they were betrothed as children.

"The reason I sent my eldest uncle over this time is to say that we've prepared some cotton for him," Zhu Yunying said with a smile to Chang Mao. "We've also sent people to inspect Liaodong several times. Remember to visit Chahan; there are some things we'll need his help with."

Chahan, the eldest son of Nahachu, is the current Marquis of Shenyang in the Ming Dynasty, and one of Zhu Yuanzhang's confidants.

Chang Mao's eyes lit up immediately, and he said, "Your Majesty, the Duke of Liang has also retired some skilled men, all of whom are shrewd killers who have survived countless near-death experiences. We have prepared manpower on our side, all of them veterans. Although they have received rewards from the court and have some family property, none of them are content with a peaceful life and are thinking of finding a way out for their offspring."

Zhu Yunying immediately smiled and said, "That's good. We can rest assured once these people are gone."

They were all retired veterans; although they might not be at their peak anymore, their experience far surpassed that of the younger generation. Their leadership in capturing slaves would naturally be much more efficient, and their involvement would ensure a higher chance of victory in battles against the natives.

Looking at Chang Mao, Zhu Yunying asked, "Although our Ming Dynasty's elite troops are quite formidable, they are still just servants and farmers. However, this time they are going to a dangerous and treacherous place. Uncle, please don't be stingy and discourage people."

This isn't to say that Chang Mao is stingy. Although Chang Mao isn't particularly successful and is somewhat of a playboy, he's undeniably generous. Towards his personal guards and the villagers, Chang Mao is definitely an excellent landowner.

Chang Mao quickly said, "Your Majesty, we have already made an agreement with them. Those who are willing to go to sea will definitely be given a settlement allowance first, no matter what. Your Majesty should also know that those people either have many children or are thinking of securing a good future for their offspring."

Looking at Chang Mao, Zhu Yunying couldn't help but laugh. "Uncle, don't be so formal. Give us a list, or let's get straight to the point. I can arrange things directly; the garrisons in various places are short of people. If all else fails, we can gather them into the three major camps."

Chang Mao couldn't help but laugh. The emperor had indeed not disappointed him, and he could now send his personal guards to their deaths.

Those veterans who had fought countless battles were unwilling to enjoy their retirement. Apart from some who were inherently bloodthirsty and loved excitement, most were thinking about securing a good lineage for their descendants. Although following Duke Chang Mao meant their lineage was secure and relatively reliable.

Without certain merits, it is difficult to quickly become an official, even a low-ranking military officer.

If you want a horse to run fast, you naturally need to provide it with enough fodder; that's what you should do.

Zhu Yunying largely believed Chang Mao's words. Although as an emperor, he often had an instinctive tendency to be suspicious, there were certain people and certain things for whom he didn't need to doubt them too much.

Chang Mao was definitely one of Zhu Yunying's most trusted people, not just because Chang Mao was a representative of military merit. The main reason was because of their blood ties. Chang Mao himself did not have much ambition, and the Chang faction was actually just a figurehead in the military, without much real power.

This chapter is not finished yet. Please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content!