At the age of forty-five, Mu Ying was in his prime. As Zhu Yuanzhang's most reliable and promising adopted son, Mu Ying was dignified and had a serious face, which made him look like a high-ranking official in charge of a region.
At this moment, Mu Ying couldn't help but feel excited, and she genuinely felt the Emperor's boundless grace.
Born into poverty, he experienced a life of hardship from a young age. At the age of eight, he was adopted by Emperor Zhu and Empress Ma, and at twelve, he began his military career by engaging in battles. Emperor Zhu and Empress Ma treated him like their own child, not only teaching him to read and write but also how to lead troops in battle. They trusted him completely and entrusted him with important responsibilities.
Although he had regained his true nature, Mu Ying never forgot the kindness of the Zhu couple. He was even more proud that the Crown Prince and the Crown Prince also regarded him as family.
Upon returning to the capital to report on his duties and present the captives, Mu Ying himself did not feel too proud, because those barbarians were no threat. Having seen too many storms, Mu Ying did not consider this a great achievement to boast about.
However, he already knew the news, and the Crown Prince led his peers out of the city for thirty miles to welcome him, with the courtesy due to a duke and a member of the imperial clan!
To say she felt apprehensive was an understatement; after all, Mu Ying felt this was somewhat overstepping her bounds. But more than anything, she felt proud and excited!
Not only was Mu Ying excited, but Mu Chun was also thrilled. He led a select group of elite soldiers as the vanguard, and the army moved slowly forward.
"Your subject Muchun pays respects to His Highness the Crown Prince. May Your Highness live a long and healthy life!"
Mu Chun stood out from the crowd; the young hero possessed extraordinary bearing and dignified appearance, which made Zhu Xiong Ying quite happy.
Zhu Xiong Ying nodded slightly and then said, "Cousin, please rise."
As Zhu Xiong Ying coughed, Zhu Yun Tong took half a step forward, lagging behind Zhu Xiong Ying by half a body length, and bowed first, saying, "Cousin, you have guarded the border for the country. Now that you have returned with merit, I congratulate you on your great achievement."
At this moment, Zhu Yunwen and the other third-generation imperial relatives also bowed in unison, saying, "Brother congratulates cousin!"
Mu Chun, who had already risen, immediately knelt down, saying, "Your subject dares not, Your subject is terrified!"
Zhu Xiong Ying laughed and said, "Cousin, don't be so formal. We're all family, so there's no need for such formalities."
Zhu Yunwen stepped forward and helped Mu Chun up. "The Ministry of Rites and the Ministry of War both said that military etiquette should be the main approach, but Your Majesty doesn't like that. My cousin and my uncle are members of the Zhu family, how can military etiquette be the main approach!"
At this moment, Mu Chun was both apprehensive and overjoyed. The royal family's generous treatment made Mu Chun feel his blood boil, and he felt that the Mu family must live up to the emperor's favor and forever guard Yunnan.
Just then, a vast army appeared, and Mu Ying spurred his horse to gallop. Zhu Xiong Ying immediately quickened his pace, and Zhu Yunwen and other third-generation princes hurried to catch up.
Fu Rang and the others quickly followed. In fact, everyone already knew what kind of drama might unfold next. However, these things could only be done by the Crown Prince and Mu Ying. No one else could steal the spotlight from this wonderful show of harmonious relations between the emperor and his ministers.
Seeing the Crown Prince stride forward, Mu Ying immediately dismounted and knelt down at a distance, saying, "Your subject Mu Ying pays respects to Your Highness the Crown Prince. May Your Highness live a long life!"
As Mu Ying dismounted, Zhu Xiong Ying disregarded his manners and trotted up, grabbing Mu Chun's arm with both hands. "Uncle, how can your nephew face the world like this!"
"Your Highness, etiquette must not be disregarded!" Mu Ying was extremely moved and insisted on not getting up. "Your Majesty's grace is boundless; I dare not accept it!"
Zhu Xiong Ying turned around and shouted, "What are you all standing there for? Help your uncle up!"
Zhu Yunwen, Zhu Yunwen, and Zhu Yunxuan all rushed over and pulled the tearful Mu Ying up, addressing him as "Uncle" and treating him with the respect due to a family member.
This made many civil and military officials and nobles who followed him extremely envious. Although Mu Ying was only a marquis at the moment, with such courtesy from the emperor, the crown prince and the grandson of the crown prince, who would dare to really treat Mu Ying as a marquis? Even some dukes did not receive such treatment.
It's no exaggeration to say that Mu Ying is currently the number one among the marquises, and even some dukes wouldn't dare to act arrogantly in front of him.
Zhu Xiong Ying wouldn't lead Mu Ying's horse, but it was fine for the second son, Zhu Yunwen, to do so. As for Zhu Xiong Ying, he rode alongside Mu Ying. However, Mu Ying was very tactful, deliberately lagging behind Zhu Xiong Ying by half a body length.
"Grandfather was very happy to receive the report from my cousin some time ago," Zhu Xiong Ying said with a smile. "These past two days, Grandfather and Father have been urging people to keep an eye on the post stations, hoping to see my cousin as soon as possible."
Mu Ying was deeply moved and cupped his hands, saying, "Your Majesty and Your Highness have treated me with such kindness; I am truly humbled!"
“Uncle, we are family, why stand on ceremony?” Zhu Xiong Ying laughed and said, “From now on, we will be even closer, and you will become my brother-in-law.”
Mu Ying's eyes lit up, and he asked excitedly, "Is this the Princess of Jiangdu?"
Seeing Zhu Xiong Ying nod, Mu Ying was even happier. This was the eldest daughter of the Crown Prince, and even in the remote Yunnan border region, Mu Ying had heard that the Crown Prince valued his two younger sisters the most.
It's hard to say whether this was Mu Ying's most glorious moment, but he knew that the royal family treated him with unparalleled favor.
The Crown Prince led his brothers thirty li outside the city to greet them, while the Crown Prince waited at the city gate. After Mu Ying paid his respects in the main hall, he was immediately pulled to a side hall by Old Zhu, with the proper etiquette befitting a family member.
Old Zhu looked at Mu Ying and said excitedly, "Wen Ying, we are happy to see you so successful, and your godmother must be very happy too. Tomorrow you should go with Ying'er to pay respects to your godmother, and let Mu Chun go as well, so she can see her grandson-in-law."
My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
