Chapter 594: Let's Destroy the Five Khalkha Tribes Together

After Wei Chao's words, the great hall fell silent as if time itself had frozen, and the atmosphere instantly turned strange, as if even the air carried a murderous chill.

Zhu Youxiao swept an expressionless glance over Zhang Muhe and said in a low voice: "You think I owe you an explanation?"

At this moment, Zhang Muhe's face was red and his neck was thick with indignation.

In his heart, Zhu Youxiao indeed ought to give them an explanation. But he also knew he could not say that out loud—if he did, things would become very serious, for the Emperor of the Great Ming no longer reasoned with anyone.

Wukeshan, seeing the situation was bad, quickly stepped forward and said: "Reporting to Your Majesty, this minister came to ask—where does Your Majesty intend to move the troops? And whom do you intend to attack?"

No one expected Wukeshan to speak at this moment.

Zhu Youxiao did not expect it.

Zhang Muhe did not expect it either.

Zhu Youxiao and Zhang Muhe both turned their heads simultaneously to look at Wukeshan.

Zhu Youxiao's face instantly darkened.

If Wukeshan did not provide an explanation this time, or if the explanation did not satisfy him, then he would prioritize destroying the Khorchin.

There was nothing more to say—this time he would settle all of them.

This also made Zhu Youxiao somewhat regretful.

Everything he had done before seemed wasted; these people were still so stubborn and thick-headed, and nothing he said made any difference.

Zhu Youxiao was somewhat displeased in his heart.

Now everyone was looking at him, and Wukeshan instantly grew nervous.

To be honest, the moment the words left his mouth, Wukeshan already regretted them—he had been far too impulsive.

But he truly did want to rescue Zhang Muhe.

Although he had always been at odds with the Inner Khalkha and wanted to annex them, this was absolutely not the situation he wanted.

What his sister said was right—if the Great Ming destroyed the Inner Khalkha, then he himself would be finished as well. Even if the Great Ming did not destroy him, they would grind his tribe into the dust.

This was not what Wukeshan wanted. He wanted to pass through this crisis smoothly and did not wish for the Inner Khalkha to be destroyed by the Great Ming.

Under such circumstances, peace between the Inner Khalkha and the Great Ming was very important. So Wukeshan wanted to rescue Zhang Muhe, and that was why, in a moment of impulse, he stepped forward and spoke.

Only, after stepping forward and speaking, Wukeshan also realized—this was not just impulse, it was far too impulsive!

If the Emperor of the Great Ming misunderstood, then there would be trouble.

"Go on, speak." Zhu Youxiao leaned back sideways, a playful expression spreading across his face.

He was not angry or furious as Wukeshan had imagined; he merely watched Wukeshan quietly. But everyone knew that this kind of calm was actually not a good sign.

If Zhu Youxiao threw a tantrum and cursed them out, the matter might not be so serious. Because that meant he was scolding you; if he did not scold you, then he might need to punish you in another way.

What was the Emperor of the Great Ming's way of punishing people?

Very simple—send out troops and destroy you.

At this moment, Wukeshan had no confidence in his heart. He did not know whether his words could fool Zhu Youxiao.

Stepping forward, Wukeshan said directly: "Your Majesty, if the Great Ming wants to attack someone or move troops somewhere, you must tell this minister. I will arrange men to follow the Great Ming's army at once. No—I am willing to be the vanguard!"

No one believed these words, and Zhu Youxiao did not believe them at all.

Turning to look at Wukeshan, a smile appeared on Zhu Youxiao's face as he said: "So that's how it is. It seems my dear minister is very loyal. I did not misjudge you. Good, very good, excellent. Someone, bring a seat."

Everyone nearby was stunned; no one expected Zhu Youxiao to believe it so easily.

Even Wukeshan had not expected it.

If the Emperor of the Great Ming were so easy to fool, he would have done this long ago. It seemed his sister truly understood this Emperor of the Great Ming.

Wukeshan let out a sigh of relief.

Beside him, Wei Chao had already brought over a stool.

"Thank you, Eunuch." Wukeshan smiled and cupped his hands toward Wei Chao.

Wei Chao also smiled back at Wukeshan, but in his heart he was unimpressed.

Foolish boy, you think you can fool His Majesty?

Absolutely delusional—this man had clearly eaten too much and addled his brain.

Zhu Youxiao did not look at Wukeshan again. Instead, he turned to Zhang Muhe and asked: "Have you also come to ask about this matter? Do the five tribes of your Inner Khalkha also wish to follow me on campaign against the enemy, just like the Khorchin?"

The moment these words came out, the room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

The smile on Wukeshan's face instantly froze.

He had not expected the Emperor of the Great Ming to use these words to force the Inner Khalkha into a corner. Now the Inner Khalkha had been pushed to the brink.

If Zhang Muhe said yes, would the Emperor of the Great Ming be satisfied?

Of course that was impossible.

If Zhang Muhe said no, then he would have truly and completely turned against the Emperor of the Great Ming.

Wukeshan instantly grew anxious. He raised his head and looked at Zhang Muhe, hoping he would not act on impulse at this moment.

The Emperor of the Great Ming is forcing you to acknowledge this matter; he is forcing you to commit to it. If you refute him even once, you're finished!

Zhang Muhe pondered for a moment, then glanced at Wukeshan again, feeling that he had been dragged into a pit by Wukeshan once more.

Zhang Muhe said: "That depends on whom you're attacking."

"I see." Zhu Youxiao nodded and said: "What if I want to attack Ligdan Khan?"

Zhang Muhe was startled.

He had not expected the Emperor of the Great Ming to be so direct, bringing up Ligdan Khan right away.

Zhang Muhe said with a grave expression: "Reporting to Your Majesty of the Great Ming, you cannot make us slaughter our own kin."

"Is that so? So you are kinsmen who love each other dearly." Zhu Youxiao said with a cold sneer, the mockery in his words unmistakable.

Who could believe such words? Was there a single day on the Mongol grasslands without war?

Perhaps if you searched hard enough, there might be. What does it even mean for kinsmen not to slaughter each other?

This is a joke. It seems the Jarud tribe still has a stiff backbone.

Zhu Youxiao looked at Zhang Muhe and said with a smile: "I understand now. You accepted the Great Ming's enfeoffment, accepted My enfeoffment, and then you still stand on Ligdan Khan's side. Fine, very good!"

"Guards." Zhu Youxiao waved his hand and said to Wei Chao: "Take him away, find someone to keep an eye on him."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Wei Chao acknowledged.

Then people walked in from outside, came straight to Zhang Muhe's side, and escorted him out.

For a moment, the great hall was so quiet that a dropped needle could be heard.

Zhu Youxiao glanced at Wukeshan and said: "Go make preparations. It seems this war cannot be avoided."

Having said that, Zhu Youxiao stretched his limbs and said: "Aren't you willing to be the vanguard? Then let your Khorchin be the vanguard. Yes, together we'll destroy the five tribes of Inner Khalkha."

Upon hearing these words, Wukeshan's mouth was full of bitterness. In the end, he could only grit his teeth and stand up, saying: "Rest assured, Your Majesty. Your subject will immediately return to muster his men and will absolutely not delay Your Majesty's affairs."

"Go on, go on." Zhu Youxiao smiled kindly and waved his hand.

Wukeshan respectfully performed the rites and withdrew, his expression very grave.

Watching Wukeshan leave, Zhu Youxiao said: "We're going to war, Wei Chao."

Wei Chao hurried over from the side and said: "What does Your Majesty require?"

"Go and fetch Sun Chengzong." Zhu Youxiao said slowly.

"Yes, Your Majesty." Wei Chao quickly acknowledged.

The war in Liaodong needs someone to take charge.

Xiong Tingbi, Wang Zaijin, and Bi Ziyan can each hold their own. But if they are to fight in coordination, someone with greater prestige is needed to keep them in check.

It would be fine if I were here myself. But if I leave, no one can keep the three of them in line.

If the three of them don't coordinate well, trouble could easily arise. So someone is needed to overawe them. That person is naturally Sun Chengzong.

Back then, when I left the capital and brought Sun Chengzong along, it was because I feared he might be needed. Now it seems he truly can be put to use. Supreme Commander Sun can take the field.

Zhu Youxiao had no intention of continuing to wait here for Sun Chengzong. He had already achieved his purpose in coming to Liaodong, and everything that needed to be done was done.

It had been quite some time since he left the capital. It was time to go back.

As for how this war should be fought?

Leave it to the men below. He could not charge into battle himself, nor could he plan strategies to win a thousand li away. There was no use for him here. It was better to return to the capital.

But before returning to the capital, he still needed to discuss this matter with Sun Chengzong.

Before long, Sun Chengzong walked in from outside.

Sun Chengzong knew the situation outside perfectly well. Moreover, on the way here, Wei Chao had already briefly briefed him on the circumstances.

So upon seeing Zhu Youxiao, Sun Chengzong did not stand on ceremony and said directly: "Your Majesty, what is to be done?"

"What else can be done? Fight first, talk later." Zhu Youxiao said with a smile: "Since they don't acknowledge what we say and do, then we fight them. This time I summoned Master Sun precisely for this matter."

Sun Chengzong had not expected His Majesty's attitude to be so resolute, and to decide on war so readily.

Wasn't this pace a bit too fast?

But after thinking it over briefly, he understood. The Great Ming's forces in Liaodong were now fully staffed, with strong soldiers and sturdy horses, and morale was high. If they didn't fight, morale would easily deflate. Since everything was already prepared, then fight they would.

"Your Majesty, what are your orders?" Sun Chengzong said with a grave expression.

"I am preparing to return to the capital. For this Liaodong campaign, I intend to have you command all three routes of troops in Liaodong. Guangning, Shenyang, and Liaoyang — all placed under your direction. If that's not enough, I'll leave you an additional imperial guard corps. Either Lu Xiangsheng or Sun Chuanting will do — you choose."

"Weaken the Khorchin, destroy the Inner Khalkha, and support small tribes like the Ordos — I trust you can do this well."

"Let the Ordos and the others grow strong through this opportunity, and the Ordos alliance itself must also be divided from within."

"Among the five tribes of Inner Khalkha, try to win over one tribe or two. I believe these matters are no difficulty for Master Sun. Am I right?"