The Ming Dynasty: I Fabricated Dreams for Zhu Di 47

Chapter 47: The Son of the Marquis of Xiping, Mu Chun

“This is perhaps the work of the Yan King.”

In martial arts sparring, injuries are inevitable.

However, for someone like Xu Yungong to be confined to a wheelchair, it could only happen if there was a significant disparity in skill between the two combatants.

He has led troops in many battles over the years and has naturally seen countless wounded soldiers.

Most injuries in battles are caused by bladed weapons, arrows, or blunt objects.

Occasionally, there are trampling injuries or burns from fire attacks.

However, the latter two are relatively rare, with the former three being the most common.

In a duel, it’s impossible for two people to hack at each other with swords; misjudging the force could easily result in death.

When competing with bows and arrows, they usually shoot at targets.

It’s unlikely that two people would shoot at each other directly.

Therefore, it can be deduced that Xu Yungong was most likely injured by a blunt object like a club.

Zhu Di’s ability to use a club to injure Xu Yungong to the point of needing a wheelchair requires exceptional skill and proficiency.

After all, Xu Yungong isn’t a fool.

“I didn’t pay much attention to that.”

“But, how does this show that the Fourth Brother has really changed significantly?”

Although Zhu Biao occasionally came into contact with these things, as the Crown Prince, his exposure was limited.

Mu Ying explained,

“In a duel, both participants should ideally sustain some injuries.”

“But Your Highness, did you notice that His Royal Highness, the Yan King, was completely unharmed, without even a single bruise?”

This situation clearly indicates an absolute crushing victory in terms of skill and experience.

Otherwise, it’s unlikely he would be entirely bruise-free.

Zhu Biao was thoughtful.

That’s true; he had patted Zhu Di on the shoulder just now and found him completely unscathed.

He was even holding his chubby son, Zhu Gaoshi.

It seemed that he was indeed completely uninjured, which is rather unusual.

Lan Yu, listening to Mu Ying’s clear and logical analysis, remained unconvinced.

He said coldly, “Marquis of Xiping, in my opinion, you’re overthinking things.”

“Perhaps young Xu Yungong was careless, or perhaps the Yan King used a surprise attack; either is possible, isn’t it?”

Xu Yungong being careless.

Zhu Di using a surprise attack.

Both scenarios could allow Zhu Di to achieve a swift victory.

“But Marquis Xu was present. Do you think either of these scenarios would earn his high praise?”

Lan Yu was speechless.

Xu Da was a cautious and strict man.

If Zhu Di won in such a manner, it’s highly unlikely he would receive Xu Da’s approval.

“All this talk is useless. Whether he has real skill or not, we’ll only know after a test.”

Zhu Biao nodded slightly.

“That’s right, thinking this much is pointless now. We’ll only know after a test what exactly has changed in the Fourth Brother.”

Shortly after, Zhu Biao, Mu Ying, Lan Yu, and Mu Chun arrived at the martial arts training ground.

This was a place specifically for young men preparing to join the army.

These young men were the future main force of the army.

Soon, the arrival of Zhu Biao, Mu Ying, and Lan Yu drew the attention of the young men in the training ground.

“It’s the Marquis of Xiping! Why does he have time to come to the martial arts training ground today?”

“It’s General Lan Yu! I’ve seen him in person today! I wish I could work under him!”

“General Lan Yu may be a fairly well-known general, but I still think it’s better to work under Marquis Xu, Marquis Cao, or Marquis Xiping.”

“Superficial! General Lan Yu’s military achievements and fame surpass those generals you mentioned, but he adopts sons!”

“As long as you gain General Lan Yu’s favor, you can become his adopted son, ensuring a smooth and successful life. Moreover, General Lan Yu is the current Crown Prince’s uncle!”

The surrounding voices buzzed, discussing their desired postings upon joining the army.

Although it wasn’t something they could decide themselves.

Lan Yu enjoyed the adoring gazes, instantly becoming arrogant and aloof.

Zhu Biao and Mu Ying remained much calmer.

Soon, the officers of the martial arts training ground hurried to Zhu Biao.

Because the officers in the martial arts training ground were of low rank, they hadn’t seen much of Zhu Biao, but Mu Ying and Lan Yu were fortunate enough to have met them twice upon their return.

“This subordinate, Zhang Wenhou, greets the Marquis of Xiping and the Marquis of Yongchang.”

Mu Ying smiled faintly and introduced,

“This is His Highness, the Crown Prince. We wish to borrow this martial arts training ground today.”

Upon learning that the refined man before him was the current Crown Prince.

Zhang Wenhou immediately knelt down and said, “Your humble servant greets His Highness, the Crown Prince.”

The other soldiers all knelt down, and Zhu Biao nodded.

“All of you rise; don’t let your training be delayed on my account.”

Soon, Mu Ying chose a suitable area.

After waiting for a moment, Zhu Di also arrived at the martial arts training ground.

He was accompanied by Xu Yungong, who was in a wheelchair.

When the soldiers in the martial arts training ground learned that the Yan King Zhu Di and Marquis Yongchang Lan Yu were going to duel here, they naturally didn’t want to miss such a spectacle.

They all gathered here.

Zhu Biao didn’t stop them.

The duel would consist of three rounds.

Bare-handed combat: whoever falls loses.

Weapon combat: whoever falls or has their weapon knocked away loses.

Mounted archery: shooting at targets, with the distance and number of rings determining the winner.

Zhu Di had already arrived at the center of the arena.

He looked calmly at Lan Yu.

Just as Lan Yu was about to enter the arena, Mu Ying said, “Your Highness, perhaps let young Mu Chun go up against His Royal Highness the Yan King first.”

“To warm up the atmosphere.”

Zhu Biao pondered for a moment and nodded.

Lan Yu was heavy-handed, so letting Mu Chun try first would be a good idea.

If Zhu Di could defeat Mu Chun, it would mean he had the ability to fight Lan Yu. If he couldn’t defeat Mu Chun, then there was no need to continue the duel.

Lan Yu showed slight displeasure, but didn’t think it was inappropriate.

In his opinion, Zhu Di didn’t even deserve for him to make a move; Mu Chun alone could beat him to a pulp.

Upon hearing this, Mu Chun, who had been following his father, calmly stepped forward.

“This subordinate will not disappoint Your Highness.”

After speaking, Mu Chun took off his clothes and walked towards the arena.

Mu Ying watched all this calmly.

He stroked his goatee, a smile playing on his lips.

He had already roughly predicted the outcome of this duel.

But he still let Mu Chun try.

His purpose was simple: to let Mu Chun know that there are always people better than him.

Sometimes, one needs to know how to restrain oneself.

After winning first place in the Fengyang Martial Arts Competition, Mu Chun had become noticeably arrogant.

He was worried about finding suitable young people of the same generation to humble Mu Chun, helping him grow.

And Zhu Di appeared just in time.

“It’s not Marquis Yongchang? Who is that guy?”

“Don’t you know him? He’s the eldest son of the Marquis of Xiping, the most outstanding among all the second-generation nobles.”

“I heard he defeated everyone of his generation to win first place in the Fengyang Martial Arts Competition!”

“And the Yan King was near the bottom.”

“Then what’s there even to compare?”

(Chapter end)

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