Xu Yingxu had already achieved military merit and received a noble title, which naturally put him at ease. Although it couldn't compare to his elder brother's title of Duke, it was still a Marquis, a position that was quite extraordinary in the Ming Dynasty.

However, his own third son, although born into the Zhongshan Prince's family, held an important position in the Five Military Commands. Although Xu Zengshou held a high position, many people only knew him as the youngest son of Xu Da, the Prince of Zhongshan, the third brother of the Empress, and the third maternal uncle of the Crown Prince...

Now, let's give our third son a chance. We don't expect him to achieve fame and fortune in one battle, but it's an opportunity.

If you perform well this time, you will naturally have the opportunity to continue leading troops and earning military merits if there are future battles.

As for Xu Miaoqing, and even the three daughters-in-law of the Xu family, they didn't think there was anything wrong with it. Being born into a military family seemed to be extremely noble, but whenever the court was at war, these military officers had to go out without hesitation.

Enjoying wealth and honor naturally comes with responsibility and risk. The military achievements of the Ming Dynasty are not being wasted.

Like the emperor's uncles, the three Chang brothers also traveled extensively and fought many battles. Regardless of whether they had a talent for leading troops, when they were needed, they all went without hesitation.

Although it was due to the emperor's favor, the three Chang brothers, one a duke and two a marquis, were the envy of countless nobles; this was true military glory.

Although the Xu family benefited from the legacy of Xu Da, whose sons had a very high starting point, if they didn't work hard, the Xu family might also be suppressed by the Chang family.

Moreover, Xu Yingxu knew in his heart that he was not a hostage staying in the capital. He had led troops and participated in fierce battles. Although his ability to lead troops was not as good as his eldest brother's, it was better than his third brother's.

Staying in the capital to help the emperor control the Beijing Garrison is one thing, but protecting the Crown Prince is the real purpose.

Xu Huizu had no objections; he felt his second son's decision was correct. As for Xu Zengshou, he was somewhat excited; his opportunity had arrived.

Xu Miaoqing kept her eyes closed and her mind at ease, not asking much about matters of the court, let alone war.

"Uncle, you're going to Liaodong," Little Zhu suddenly said. "The Duke of Ying is the commander-in-chief, and you are the deputy commander-in-chief. This time, we must conquer Korea and there must be no failure."

Little Zhu naturally wouldn't have such insight; he overheard Old Zhu and Little Zhu discussing the matter. He knew the reasons for launching this war and what kind of outcome it should achieve.

Xu Huizu suddenly understood why the Emperor Emeritus had summoned him to the Qianqing Palace a few days ago to give him some encouragement!

"A dog's belly can't hide two ounces of oil!" Looking at his son, Zhu Yunying said with a laugh and a scolding tone, "You should have been kicked out by us back then. Remember this well, you are not allowed to say it outside of your own family."

Little Zhu wasn't afraid of Little Zhu at all, and said with a grin, "Dad, we're Zhu, not dogs. If you insult us, you're insulting yourself too!"

The others couldn't help but chuckle, wanting to laugh but daring not to, each of them struggling to hold it in. As for Zhu Yunying, his face flushed red with choking; this brat always had something outrageous to say, sometimes really putting Zhu Yunying in an awkward position.

Suddenly, Zhu Yunying sighed, "Now I finally understand how much pain my father and grandfather felt. I was precocious and my mind was more mature than other children. I reckon they felt pain when they saw me back then."

The Xu family members found it difficult to respond, as there was actually considerable discussion both within and outside the court about whether the current emperor possessed supernatural powers.

Those who know about it have heard of it, but may not have witnessed it. Those who don't know might think it's the royal family creating a show of force. But what everyone is certain of is that the current emperor has held great power since his youth, even more so than the princes, and has commanded a considerable military force at a young age, while also wielding some influence in the court.

Looking at Xu Huizu, Zhu Yunying said with a smile, "Qin'er's birthday banquet can only be organized by the Empress. Speaking of which, the Empress is also Qin'er's aunt. Qin'er is not yet an adult and has not inherited a title. This little thing cannot stand on its own in the court, so only the Empress can discipline him."

Xu Huizu smiled slightly and said, "Your Majesty's judgment."

"What about us?" Little Zhu asked anxiously, "Our mother is going to have a baby, so she can't be the one to celebrate my cousin's birthday!"

Little Zhu is quite considerate. He may be mischievous, but he's heard a lot of things. For example, he knows that his mother is expected to give birth around June, giving him a younger brother or sister, and he won't have time to care about anyone else.

Zhu Yunying paused for a moment, then said, "Then we can only ask Qin'er to make do. No one else is qualified to hold a birthday banquet for him. If the Empress is not free, we'll see if I, as his uncle, have the time. If not, Qin'er can't blame us."

Xu Huizu quickly said, "Your Majesty, my son's birthday is a trivial matter, Your Majesty need not worry about it."

Xu Miaoqing then chimed in, “Your Majesty, Qin’er is, after all, an official outside the capital. Your Majesty is busy with countless affairs of state; how could you possibly have time to attend to his birthday? If I have the time, I will arrange the birthday banquet for him. If you don’t have the time, Second Brother is still in the capital; would you allow him to suffer?”

As for why Xu Qin's mother, Lady Li, didn't take her opinion into account, it was naturally because such matters required a male to preside over them. After all, Xu Qin's status was special; he was the heir to a duke.

Zhu Yunying was just being polite. Although Xu Qin's status was special, there was really no need for Zhu Yunying to personally hold a birthday banquet for Xu Qin, otherwise it would be too much.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!