Chapter 91 Liao Yongan suspects it is an illusion
It was impossible to go back to my brother's house. I had already entered the Chen family's door, and I still wanted to run away?
During the intermission of the "quarrel" between Zhu Yuanzhang and Chen Biao, Yang Xian dragged Liao Yongan, who looked unhappy, back into the house.
Zhu Yuanzhang smiled and said, "Have you explained it to him?"
Yang Xian looked at Zhu Yuanzhang strategizing and said in a deep voice, "It's clear."
In the past, when he saw Zhu Yuanzhang strategizing, he felt only admiration and respect for his lord.
But today, he just wanted to punch his lord in the face and break his nose.
My Lord, why are you so irritating?!
Zhu Yuanzhang saw the disapproval on Yang Xian's face, but he pretended not to notice and asked Liao Yongan, "Do you believe he is Chen Biao?"
Hold and lift!
Chen Biao was angry: "Dad! I'm ten years old, can you please stop lifting me up all the time? Don't your hands get sore?"
Zhu Yuanzhang put Chen Biao on the ground and shook his arms: "My arms are really a little sore. Oh, how come you grow so fast?"
Zhu Yuanzhang felt very melancholy as he watched Chen Biao transform from a well-behaved child into a handsome young man.
He can still remember how Chen Biao tried hard to change his own diaper when he was crawling all over the bed.
How come Biaoer is ten years old in the blink of an eye?
Although he had been anxiously waiting for Chen Biao to come of age, the old father was still filled with melancholy when he saw his beloved son grow up without him noticing.
Now Biaoer can no longer take a nap on his belly. One of the joys of life for his old father has been deprived.
Chen Biao said disdainfully, "Dad, what's with that look in your eyes? It's like I'm about to run away from home."
Zhu Yuanzhang immediately said with a fierce face: "You are not allowed to run away from home."
Chen Biao said, "Don't worry, I care about my life very much. I will definitely tell you when I leave home. Let's stop arguing. How rude of you to leave General Liao here?"
Liao Yongan immediately said, "It's impolite, it's impolite. No, no, no, that's not right. I meant polite, very polite!"
Chen Biao: “…”
He once again used his eyes to ask Zhu Yuanzhang if General Liao had become stupid because of being locked up. This symptom looked quite serious.
Zhu Yuanzhang put his arm around Liao Yongan's shoulders and said, "Biao'er, make some good dishes for your uncle Liao. It's been a long time since we last met, so drink more today."
Chen Biao immediately crossed his arms in front of his chest and refused, "Uncle Liao is not in good health and cannot drink."
After saying this, Chen Biao didn't wait for Zhu Yuanzhang to answer. He took Yang Xian's hand and said, "Let's go and choose what to eat today. Let them talk slowly."
A smile immediately appeared on Yang Xian's face: "Okay."
After Chen Biao took Yang Xian away , Liao Yongan was shocked and asked, "Young Master Biao, Young Master, and Yang Xian have such a good relationship?"
Zhu Yuanzhang glanced at Liao Yongan and said, "Call me Biao'er, don't call me that randomly. Biao'er is so kind to everyone, you will know later."
Liao Yongan said, "Yes... uh, Lord... General Chen, I'd better go back to my brother's house."
Zhu Yuanzhang took Liao Yongan in his arms and walked into the yard: "No."
Liao Yongan said anxiously: "I really can't act!"
Zhu Yuanzhang said, "No need to act. I will leave Yingtian soon and inspect other places. As long as you don't call Chen Biao Young Master, you won't be exposed."
Liao Yongan said: "But I'm still at my brother's house..."
Zhu Yuanzhang lowered his voice and said, "You really don't understand why I let you live in my house ?"
Liao Yongan shook his head vigorously.
Zhu Yuanzhang sighed, "Your body is no longer fit for battle. Biao'er saved your life, and you will definitely be loyal to him. That's why I want you to stay by his side and teach him about the navy. This is one reason."
"Secondly..." Zhu Yuanzhang's smile faded, his eyes etched with a hint of coldness. "You've been imprisoned for so many years, and the Liao family and the navy they manage have become accustomed to recognizing your brother as their leader. I know you don't want to argue, and your brother and you have a truly good relationship. But your brother's family may not agree."
Liao Yongan's face immediately turned pale: "My Lord, this..."
Zhu Yuanzhang said, "If you say the wrong name again, I will throw you into the water. Anyway, you like water."
Liao Yongan quickly shut up.
Arriving at a small pavilion in the courtyard, which contained a stone table and stone chairs, Zhu Yuanzhang pressed Liao Yongan onto the stone chair and said, "Some people in the Liao family are shortsighted. With your ability and loyalty to me, there will be at least two marquises in the Liao family in the future. Why would there be any need to fight for the position of head of the family? After you are granted the title of marquis, you can split up and each become the head of your own family. As for the navy..."
Zhu Yuanzhang also sat on the stone chair and asked the servants to serve tea and snacks before he continued, "That belongs to the lord. What does it have to do with your Liao family?"
Liao Yongan calmed down and said, "Yes, all the troops belong to the lord."
After he was arrested, were the Liao family members so impetuous?
Zhu Yuanzhang said: "Your brother is quite clever, but unfortunately he is too smart sometimes."
Zhu Yuanzhang told Liao Yongan that Liao Yongzhong had collected the preferences of his generals and was very good at making friends with them. He also told him about the embarrassing incident in which Liao Yongzhong and Zhu Liangzu tried to please Biaoer and sent people to follow Biaoer, but were caught and scolded by him.
Liao Yongan broke out in a cold sweat and quickly clasped his fists, saying, "My brother is so stupid. I'm sorry to have caused... trouble for the general."
He finally got the name right this time.
Zhu Yuanzhang smiled disdainfully and said, "You're only three years older than him, but I feel like you're just like his father, much more mature than him. But look at my children, it's the same. Biao'er is only one year older than the second child, but he seems to be more than ten years older. Well, Biao'er's situation is special, so this doesn't count."
Seeing that Zhu Yuanzhang was so open with him and even told him about the stupid things Liao Yongzhong had done so lightly, Liao Yongan felt a sense of strangeness in his heart due to the separation of many years.
He also laughed and said, "Biao'er is indeed very special. When I was in prison, I heard Yang Xian talk about Biao'er many times. I never imagined that Biao'er was still a child."
His expression suddenly turned ugly: "That guy Yang Xian didn't do it on purpose!"
Zhu Yuanzhang laughed: "Given Yang Xian's character, it's very likely that he did it on purpose! He was just waiting to scare you!"
Liao Yongan muttered "that guy" a few times, and couldn't help but laughed out loud while holding his forehead.
Of course, he was not angry about Yang Xian's harmless bad taste, he just treated it as a joke between friends.
After Zhu Yuanzhang and Liao Yongan had their conversation, they no longer talked about Liao Yongzhong and the Liao family, and Liao Yongan did not mention his brother's home again.
Zhu Yuanzhang opened up and talked to Liao Yongan about the changes in the forces under his command after Liao Yongan was captured.
After Chen Biao and Yang Xian chose to eat refreshing cold dishes and corn porridge cooked in chicken soup today, they each brought a plate of braised food to the courtyard to fill Zhu Yuanzhang and Liao Yongan's stomachs.
Before they even saw Zhu Yuanzhang and Liao Yongan, they heard Zhu Yuanzhang's signature loud voice boasting wildly.
What about my lord being invincible and brave, what about my Biaoer Temple being perfect, what about my three Chen children, Zhu Wenzheng, Li Wenzhong, and Chen Ying, all capable of standing on their own, what about my Chen family being the richest in the world...
Chen Biao's eyes were dead.
Did his father not drink? Did he tell his servants not to drink? Why was his father bragging before he even started drinking? Did he know that such arrogant words would easily arouse jealousy if they got out?
If these words were to reach the ears of the lord, it would be the end of him. Emperor Hongwu was famous for hating his subordinates who wanted to take credit for themselves!
How could I have such a complacent father!
Chen Biao came to the small pavilion angrily, carrying braised pig ears.
He placed the braised pig ears on the table, put his hands on his hips and said, "Dad!"
Zhu Yuanzhang, whose boasting was interrupted, asked in confusion, "What's the matter, Biao'er?"
Chen Biao said with a serious face: "Please be humble and don't show off!"
Zhu Yuanzhang said, "Telling the truth, how can it be called showing off? I'm talking to your uncle Liao about the changes in recent years. Don't bother me."
"Alright, Biao'er, let General Chen and General Liao continue their conversation." Yang Xian suppressed his laughter and stopped Chen Biao, saying, "These two brothers haven't seen each other for a long time, so they have a lot to talk about. It's normal for warriors to talk about their achievements when chatting."
Because Yang Xian and the unfamiliar Uncle Liao were there, Chen Biao endured the scolding, gave his father a look that said "I'll settle the score later", and went to the kitchen angrily to busy himself.
"Uncle Yang, please stay here and help me take care of Dad." When leaving, Chen Biao asked Yang Xian to stay and stood on tiptoe to ask in Yang Xian's ear.
After Yang Xian leaned over and listened to Chen Biao's instructions, he gave Zhu Yuanzhang a look that said, "You've made Biao angry again."
After Chen Biao left, Zhu Yuanzhang immediately laughed and said, "My Biao was still worried that the Chen family's achievements would overshadow theirs, hahahaha."
After Yang Xian took his seat, he said, "General Chen, since you know Biao'er is worried about this, you shouldn't always say things that will make Biao'er worry."
Zhu Yuanzhang said, "It's unfair. I didn't mean to do that. Even when we were just ordinary brothers drinking and chatting, didn't he brag about himself? He just thought too much."
Yang Xian said, "Excessive worry is harmful to your health. General Chen, please consider this for yourself."
Zhu Yuanzhang immediately said, "I know, I know, Yang Xian, you weren't such a talkative person before."
Yang Xian wanted to say, "Is it my fault? My Lord, why don't you reflect on yourself?"
But Zhu Yuanzhang never reflected on himself in front of his subordinates. He insisted that Yang Xian was old and fussy.
Yang Xian, who had just turned forty, said, "I'm not very old..."
Zhu Yuanzhang said: "You are older than me!"
Yang Xian: "..." That's true. But I'm older than you, my lord. Does that mean I'm older?
Liao Yongan was very surprised to see Zhu Yuanzhang and Yang Xian bickering.
Because the Chaohu Navy was Zhu Yuanzhang's first organized navy, Zhu Yuanzhang had many private contacts with Liao Yongan when discussing navy issues.
Although Zhu Yuanzhang was courteous to others at that time, he was also a very serious and dignified person in private. Even when facing his childhood friends like Xu Da, Zhu Yuanzhang rarely joked.
Yang Xian only defected to Zhu Yuanzhang after Zhu Yuanzhang conquered Jiqing (Yingtian). Zhu Yuanzhang was so close to Yang Xian, and Yang Xian was not afraid of Zhu Yuanzhang at all and dared to quarrel with him. Could it be that this Yang Xian was particularly favored by Zhu Yuanzhang?
Liao Yongan was just thinking about it when two more colleagues came to have a free meal.
Yan Qian was pulled over by Hua Yun, looking reluctant.
Seeing Hua Yun and Yan Qian coming over, Zhu Yuanzhang couldn't help but laugh and said, "Do you two have dog noses? Did you smell something and come here?"
Hua Yun said, "I'm here to deliver some paperwork. I heard Liao Yanjing was here, so I decided to grab a meal. Boss Chen won't disallow it, will he?"
Zhu Yuanzhang said, "Since you're here, how can I chase you away? Langya, what's with that expression on your face? Do you think it's unfair for me to have dinner at my house?"
Yan Qian immediately said, "No, no, I just feel a little embarrassed to come here uninvited."
Hua Yun put his thick black arms around Yan Qian's neck and dragged him into the pavilion: "What's there to be embarrassed about? The boss persecuted us and made us work like miserable clerks. What's wrong with us eating his meal? Don't run away!"
Liao Yongan naturally knew Yan Qian, a veteran of the Red Turban Army, and Hua Yun, Zhu Yuanzhang's former imperial guard commander. As Hua Yun and Yan Qian approached, he realized that these two brave generals were actually wearing scholarly robes.
Yan Qian was fine; he was a decent fit. Hua Yun had a rough face and a tall stature, and even a loose scholar's robe couldn't hide his muscular build, making his outfit look out of place and unharmonious.
Liao Yongan's mouth twitched: "Wen, Wenli?"
Zhu Yuanzhang argued: "It's not a clerk, it's a civil servant!"
Hua Yun looked at Liao Yongan's constantly twitching mouth and gave him a vicious look: "Isn't it funny? Laugh, you will become like me. The lord said that he wants to train us all to be both civil and military, and the generals will take turns to serve as civil officials. Hehe, isn't it because you are in poor health and can't go to the battlefield? Civil service is very suitable for you."
Liao Yongan's face darkened. He said, "Although I can recognize a few words, I definitely can't be a civil servant."
Hua Yun gave a wicked smile. "Don't worry, don't worry. You're living in the Chen family now, and you'll be with Biao'er day and night. Biao'er will teach you. The books we civil servants need to study were all written by Biao'er. With Biao'er's personal guidance, you will definitely become a good civil servant."
Liao Yongan couldn't believe it: "...Written by Biaoer?"
Yan Qian said: "Biao'er is very good at teaching students."
Liao Yongan's expression was dull.
He already knew that Biao'er was very powerful, but he didn't expect that even the generals under his lord's command would call Biao'er "Master".
My lord, is your son a little too powerful?
Liao Yongan finally understood why the fortune teller's prediction was so harsh. Surely God wouldn't let Biaoer, such a capable child, stay in the mortal world so easily?
When Chen Biao came out with a bowl of cold pork head, he found two more people at the table.
His face immediately turned dark.
Hua Yun teased, "Biao'er, what's wrong? Don't you welcome Uncle Hua?"
Chen Biao glared at Zhu Yuanzhang and said, "Welcome. But Dad didn't send anyone to tell me Uncle Hua and Uncle Yan were coming. I'll change a few dishes."
Hua Yun said, "Why are you being so polite to us? I eat whatever your father eats. I'm not picky."
Everyone present except Liao Yongan was an acquaintance, so Chen Biao didn't bother pretending. He frowned and complained, "I'm not being polite, it's just that you military commanders have such big appetites! With Uncle Hua and Uncle Yan adding two more mouths to feed, if I still have to focus on cold dishes tonight, it's too much trouble to cook for you. I should just roast a pig and a lamb to satisfy you."
Hua Yun's rough face revealed a heartbroken expression that burned the eyes. "Biao'er, your Uncle Yan and I are here, and you're just going to give us a perfunctory welcome? No, I want to eat the salad Biao'er made! Yan Langya, say something too!"
Yan Qian said, "Now we can change to roast lamb."
Hua Yun slapped his thigh and said, "Yan Qian! Which side are you on?"
Yan Qian said expressionlessly, "Biao'er, this way."
He had never thought before that Hua Yun was such a troublesome person.
Ever since he and Hua Yun became colleagues in the civil service, he could hear while handling paperwork, which made him want to plug his ears with paper balls.
Kang Maocai was a very cunning man. When he could no longer tolerate Hua Yun's constant complaints, he immediately applied to go out and follow the "Policy Science Patrol" proposed by Biao'er to publicize and supervise the lord's decrees in the county and countryside.
Hua Yun noticed that one of the people who listened to his complaints had left, and he immediately kept a close eye on him, causing Yan Qian to suffer even more severe mental pollution.
If it weren't for his cousin's rebellion, his status under the lord would have been greatly reduced, and he wouldn't want to cause trouble. He would definitely have fought with Hua Yun.
Hua Yun also discovered this and became even more unscrupulous.
But now that he was in the Chen family, his status and position outside were no longer important. Everyone was Biao'er's elder, and Biao'er was the highest status.
As soon as Yan Qian finished speaking, Chen Biao said with a stern face: "That's right! Uncle Yan is on my side! Uncle Hua, what are you dissatisfied with? If you are dissatisfied, I will make your homework more difficult!"
Hua Yun raised his hands and said, "I was wrong, Biao'er. Roasted whole lamb is also good."
Chen Biao's stern face immediately broke, and he smiled with his eyes curved, "I won't give you a perfunctory answer. I just thought that you and Uncle Yan must have worked hard sorting out the paperwork. You've been busy all day, and you probably just ate some dry food for lunch. Dad should have told me you were coming so I could make you some hot food."
After he finished speaking, he trotted off and turned to wave to Hua Yun and the others as he left: "You guys eat first, I'll cook a few more dishes for you."
Although Hua Yun looked rough, he was full of emotion. He immediately burst into tears and said, "Boss, Biao'er is so good. I wish he was my son."
Zhu Yuanzhang said bluntly: "You are not worthy. Only I am worthy."
Hua Yun sniffed and said, "Yes, yes, only you are worthy of it, Boss."
Zhu Yuanzhang was pleased: "That's right!"
When Liao Yongan saw Hua Yun and Yan Qian sitting down, he naturally started chatting with Zhu Yuanzhang. Even Yan Qian, whose cousin Shao Rong was plotting a rebellion, was so comfortable chatting with Zhu Yuanzhang that Liao Yongan was particularly surprised.
He originally thought that Yang Xian was so relaxed in front of Zhu Yuanzhang because he was very favored.
Ruo Huayun and Yan Qian were both very cautious people in the past, so how could they have changed so much now? Moreover, there was also the thorn of Shao Rong between Yan Qian and Zhu Yuanzhang?
Liao Yongan really couldn't understand.
He pleaded ignorance of Yingtian's current situation and his poor health, preferring to listen more and speak less. The others, concerned with Liao Yongan's well-being, were also happy to offer their perspectives on Yingtian's current state.
Six years of imprisonment smoothed out Liao Yongan's edges and impetuousness, making him more patient and calm.
Now the lord has changed a lot, and he needs more time to adapt to this matter before he knows how to treat the lord.
but……
"General Chen, you let Biaoer cook for us?" Liao Yongan saw Chen Biao send food several times and couldn't help but said, "How can we let Biaoer cook for us?"
Zhu Yuanzhang bit his chopsticks, savoring the taste of the eggplant pancake: "Hmm? Biao'er's cooking is delicious."
Liao Yongan: "..." He couldn't understand! Who would let their own son help in the kitchen?
Zhu Yuanzhang said: "Biao'er said he was cooking, but in fact he was just directing others to cook. He won't get tired, don't worry."
Liao Yongan said, "...General Chen, Biao'er is running back and forth between the kitchen and us. Isn't that tiring enough?"
Zhu Yuanzhang said, "If Biaoer is willing, I can't do anything about it."
Liao Yongan: "..." He wanted to say something fierce for a moment, but he didn't dare.
Yang Xian sighed and said, "Now you know why we were so rude to General Chen in private, right?"
Liao Yongan took a deep breath and glanced at his colleagues whom he hadn't seen in a while. "But aren't you enjoying your meals too? Are you used to it?"
Hua Yun, Yang Xian and Yan Qian all put down their chopsticks and smiled awkwardly yet politely.
Zhu Yuanzhang slapped Liao Yongan on the back and almost slammed him on the table: "I told you to eat, why are you talking so much nonsense?"
Liao Yongan grimaced in pain.
He felt a little sympathetic towards Biao'er. Biao'er had been deceived by his master, and at such a young age, he had been his master's advisor and counselor. Now, when Biao returned home, he still had to cook for his master?!
My Lord, don't you feel guilty?
Liao Yongan asked himself, if he had such an outstanding son, he would definitely support his son, not let his son do any chores, and protect his son more closely than his own eyes!
"Huh, it's done, almost done." Chen Biao finally took the table. "The kitchen will prepare the rest of the dishes themselves, so you don't need my instructions."
Liao Yongan couldn't help but say, "Biao'er, there's no need to go to such trouble. Just leave the cooking to the chef. Why do you have to go there yourself?"
Chen Biao smiled and said, "I tried some new seasonings I got from overseas. Without my guidance, the chef couldn't cook well. Besides, cooking is my hobby. Seeing the uncles and aunts enjoying their meals makes me happy too."
Liao Yongan didn't know why, but his eyes felt a little hot: "Biao'er...ah."
Chen Biao hurriedly said, "Uncle Liao, I'm just cooking. It's just a hobby like raising flowers and horses. Don't take it too seriously."
Zhu Yuanzhang also nodded in agreement and said, "Yes. You still need to stay in my house to recuperate. Sooner or later you will get used to it."
Liao Yongan's lips moved and he almost uttered the five words "My lord, shut up."
He began to doubt himself and his life, wondering whether he was really rescued or if he was hallucinating because he had been locked up for too long.
Is this "Chen Guorui" in front of him really his lord?
How could my lord, who was so majestic and powerful, become like this?
Let go of your hand! Don't pinch Biao'er's face!
Liao Yongan was so excited that he almost broke his chopsticks.
