Chapter 126: Two pieces of jade left by the grandmother! One is

For Zhu Ying.

It concerned his subordinates and pensions.

He dared not have any negligence in these matters.

As a soldier, he knew the dangers of the battlefield!

As a general, he knew the hardships of the army!

Zhu Ying knew even better that those brothers-in-arms who had spilled their blood on the frontier and died on the battlefield relied entirely on the imperial court's pensions for their families to survive after their deaths.

If, due to his slight negligence, the pensions were embezzled by others, that would undoubtedly be a sin Zhu Ying could never forgive himself for in his entire life.

Just then!

Bu Wan slowly stood up, his gaze falling on the golden imperial edict on the table. He walked up, held the edict steadily with both hands, then turned and walked toward Zhu Ying with a serious expression: "General Zhu."

"The Ministry of War of the imperial court sent an imperial edict not long ago."

While speaking, Bu Wan had already reached Zhu Ying, solemnly handing the edict to Zhu Ying with both hands.

"Could there be some important matter?"

Zhu Ying asked curiously while extending his hands, also solemnly receiving the edict with both hands.

And the moment Zhu Ying touched the edict, the panel's prompt appeared immediately.

"Received one imperial edict, rewarded with one ordinary treasure chest."

After one prompt.

Immediately following, the panel's prompt sounded again: "Congratulations to the host for receiving a total of ten imperial edicts, rewarded with one First Rank treasure chest."

Hearing this!

"Already received ten imperial edicts, a First Rank treasure chest."

"An unexpected joy."

Zhu Ying was happy in his heart, but having developed a steadiness from his training on the battlefield, his face didn't reveal any strangeness, only holding the edict in his hand and clenching it slightly.

"Read it yourself."

Bu Wan said with a serious expression.

Waiting for Zhu Ying to finish reading the edict.

"Good."

Zhu Ying didn't hesitate in the slightest, slowly unfolding the edict with both hands and quickly scanning the text on it.

With just one glance, the look of sudden realization instantly appeared on his originally confused face.

Afterward, Zhu Ying slowly opened his mouth and said: "The policy for reorganizing the Liaodong surrendered troops has been decided. Three guard battalions will be reorganized, one of which will be relocated to our Daning Prefecture, stationed in the Huizhou territory."

"After the reorganization and relocation, the imperial court will send a Regional Military Commissioner to control this guard battalion, but the direct military orders and military affairs will be handed to me to manage."

"And all military officers above the rank of Platoon Leader in this guard battalion will be appointed from meritorious soldiers of our Daning border army, to fully control the reorganized army and ensure nothing goes wrong."

Bu Wan listened, nodded slowly, and added: "In the future, the food supply for this guard battalion will also be borne by our Daning Prefecture."

Hearing this, Zhu Ying's brows instantly locked, and he thought quickly in his heart.

A moment later, Zhu Ying looked up and pointed out the key point directly: "Bearing the consumption of a total of one hundred thousand troops with a single prefecture, Daning might not be able to sustain it."

If one doesn't enter the army, perhaps one doesn't understand how great the consumption of the army is.

But after truly commanding the army, Zhu Ying understood why raising an elite army was so costly in history.

Zhu Ying knew very well that the existence of an army meant huge consumption.

The more troops there were, the more the consumption of food and money in the national treasury and prefectural treasury was like a bottomless pit, difficult to estimate.

The Daning border army already had a guard battalion establishment of fifty thousand, and cavalry accounted for almost half; the cost of raising cavalry was extremely high. This was also because Zhu Ying had previously robbed the entire Jianzhou Jurchen tribe, abolished their cavalry, and seized their warhorses, which made the number of cavalry in the Daning border army increase greatly.

Now, adding another guard battalion, this was definitely not something that the taxes of a single prefecture could easily bear.

After all, as an army guarding the border, military pay must not be short, otherwise the morale of the army would inevitably be in chaos.

"General Zhu need not worry about this matter."

Bu Wan saw Zhu Ying's full worry and quickly said, carrying a smile of comfort: "His Highness the Crown Prince has long had plans for this."

"Our Daning Prefecture only needs to supply our Daning border army. As for the money and food consumption of this reorganized guard battalion, the imperial court will supply it directly."

"That is good." Hearing this, the worry in Zhu Ying's heart instantly dissipated, and he nodded with relief.

In reality.

Zhu Ying had his own thoughts in his heart; if he had to deduct the food and pay of the Daning border army soldiers to supplement these surrendered troops, he would not be willing no matter what, after all, these soldiers were brothers who had fought side-by-side with him and shared life and death.

Using the food and pay of his own brothers-in-arms to supplement these surrendered troops was too much.

If it really let the Daning Prefecture supply it, Zhu Ying would have to report it directly.

"Reorganize fifty thousand soldiers for the guard battalion. Except for a few generals sent by the imperial court, the rest of the military officers will be transferred from our Daning border army."

"This list still needs General Zhu to draft."

Bu Wan looked at Zhu Ying, saying with a smile of anticipation.

Hearing this, Zhu Ying's eyes instantly lit up, and he immediately responded with a smile: "For such a good thing, I will definitely draft it as soon as possible, promoting based on merit."

He naturally understood in his heart that in this expedition, many soldiers had made great achievements in killing enemies, but the number of official positions was limited.

Now that there was an additional guard battalion of fifty thousand, except for the generals, the rest were transferred and promoted from the border army; this was undoubtedly providing an excellent promotion opportunity for the soldiers under his command, and he absolutely could not waste it.

This time.

It would definitely allow those soldiers of the border army who had made war merits to get the rewards they deserved.

"General Zhu."

At this time, Huang Yao stood up from the side, holding a roster with both hands, walked to Zhu Ying respectfully, bowed slightly, presented the roster, and said: "This is the border army promotion roster determined by the Guard Town-Pacifier based on war merits, please review it, General."

Zhu Ying reached out to receive it, his gaze scanning the roster quickly.

He saw written on the roster: "Chen Heng, Zhang Wu, promoted to Assistant Regional Commander."

"Wei Quan, Zhuang Wei, promoted to Regional Military Commissioner."

"Luo Hua, promoted to Garrison Commander..."

With just one scan, many familiar names of the border army appeared in Zhu Ying's eyes.

Without a doubt, these people were the main generals under his command, each of them brothers who had shared life and death with him on the battlefield, and they were very convinced by him.

"Promote based on merit. I have no objection."

"Let's report this roster to the Ministry of War."

Zhu Ying closed the roster, his expression serious and solemn, and said to Huang Yao.

"Subordinate takes the order." Huang Yao also nodded immediately.

The discussion continued!

Next, regarding military affairs, Zhu Ying was fully focused, responding and deciding one by one.

After all, as the Daning Regional Military Commissioner, in terms of military affairs, Daning naturally took him as the lead.

For these military affairs, Zhu Ying was sometimes thoughtful, sometimes discussing with Bu Wan; every decision concerned the future of the Daning border army and the peace of the border.

Afterward, everyone discussed many military affairs, such as the promotion of generals and the discussion of merits and rewards; the affairs were complicated and trivial, and all needed to be carefully sorted out.

Just like this, the time of a morning passed quietly, and these matters basically had a conclusion.

"Let's end today's discussion here."

Bu Wan said to the clerks of the six departments, his voice carrying a trace of fatigue, but more of a relief of completing the task.

"Report the matters decided just now to the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of War in order."

"Everyone, go down and handle it first." Bu Wan instructed.

"Subordinates take the order." The six clerks stood in a row neatly, bowed to Bu Wan in unison, and then retreated in an orderly manner.

After they left, Bu Wan turned his head, looking at Zhu Ying beside him with a teasing expression, and asked: "How does it feel?"

Zhu Ying sighed slightly, a trace of helplessness on his face, and replied with great emotion: "If every day were this tedious, I would still prefer to kill on the battlefield."

"The life-and-death struggle on the battlefield is cruel, but it is simple and direct, unlike the affairs in officialdom, which are complicated and give people a headache."

Bu Wan laughed out loud after hearing this and said: "Haha, you will get used to it slowly."

"Zhu Ying, you must remember, now you are the Daning Regional Military Commissioner, with more than fifty thousand soldiers under your command, and the military affairs you handle are all closely related to them."

"Food, pay, pensions, these all have to pass through your hands, and these cannot have any mistakes."

"In officialdom, interests are intertwined, complicated, and one slight mistake will lead to falling into the abyss."

"But since you have obtained this official position, you must bear this responsibility, and everything should be done with a clear conscience."

Bu Wan's tone was very serious, his eyes revealing concern and anticipation, as if an elder was earnestly teaching a junior.

Zhu Ying nodded solemnly after hearing these words.

Without a doubt.

Zhu Ying knew very well in his heart that Bu Wan was truly treating him as a junior and teaching him carefully.

Afterward.

Zhu Ying smiled and mentioned: "Prefect Bu, I am preparing to get married in a few days."

"At that time, I hope Prefect Bu will do me the honor of attending."

Bu Wan heard this, and a smile instantly appeared on his face as he asked: "Is it that Miss Shen Yuer?"

Zhu Ying nodded with a smile and replied: "Yes."

The joy on his face was undisguised.

Bu Wan quickly said: "Good, I will definitely go, I will definitely go."

"However, getting married is very tedious, the three letters and six betrothal gifts, did you prepare these so quickly?"

Bu Wan had doubt on his face, looking at Zhu Ying, his eyes full of curiosity.

"To tell you the truth, Prefect, my parents died due to fleeing famine when I was young, and my grandmother also passed away some years ago. Now the only family left is the steward, Uncle Lin."

Zhu Ying said with a bit of helplessness, a trace of loneliness flashing on his face, and his eyes also revealed a trace of longing for his deceased relatives.

"So that's how it is."

Bu Wan heard this, his face showed apology, and he immediately said: "It was I who asked too much. Sorry."

Regarding this.

Zhu Ying smiled magnanimously and said: "The saying of life and death is unpredictable."

"I have been used to it for so many years. Once the wedding date is set, I will come to send the invitation to you, Prefect."

Bu Wan nodded immediately, naturally not refusing.

After the two exchanged pleasantries, Zhu Ying said goodbye and turned to leave the prefectural office main hall.

Bu Wan looked at Zhu Ying's departing back, sighing to himself: "I didn't expect Zhu Ying's background to be like this, parents both dead. Sigh."

The next day!

In the mansion's main hall!

Chen Heng, Liu Zhen, Wei Quan, Zhang Wu, Zhuang Wei, Luo Hua, and the newly promoted Regional Military Commissioner Yan Bing, all generals above the rank of Assistant Regional Commander of the Daning border army gathered here.

The main hall was solemn and respectful, and the generals stood in a row, wearing neat military uniforms.

"Greetings, General."

The generals shouted in unison, their voices loud, echoing in the main hall.

Zhu Ying smiled, looking at these old brothers who had followed him in battle for a long time, and said: "You are all here."

This smile was full of kindness and concern for all the brothers-in-arms.

Chen Heng stepped forward and bowed: "General, things in the army have all been arranged."

"Twenty thousand brothers have returned to the Daning military camp, and besides that, the other three battalions have also returned to their respective garrison areas, and military affairs have all been arranged properly."

Chen Heng said concisely and efficiently.

"You arrived so neatly, it seems you all knew the news?"

Zhu Ying scanned the seven people, a mysterious smile on his face.

Chen Heng laughed and scratched his head, saying: "Hehe, subordinates' war merits are all recorded, so who can be promoted, we naturally have a count in our hearts."

Of course.

This smile of Chen Heng carried a trace of anticipation.

Not only him, but the others were the same.

"Alright, no more nonsense."

Zhu Ying said with a smile, then stood up, his movements crisp and neat, reaching out to pick up several documents from the Military Department on the table in front of him.

Afterward.

Zhu Ying cleared his throat and read loudly: "According to the war merits discussed by me, the Military Department, and the Guard Town-Pacifier."

"Chen Heng, promoted one rank, promoted to 【Assistant Regional Commander】."

"Zhang Wu, promoted one rank, promoted to 【Assistant Regional Commander】."

"Wei Quan, promoted one rank, promoted to 【Regional Military Commissioner】"

"..."

Zhu Ying's voice was loud, and every time he read a name, someone would be filled with excitement and joy.

Of course, there was also one person who had not been promoted, and that was Liu Zhen.

In the battle of Liaodong, he was the one who followed Zhu Ying to fight to the end, but before that, because the Daning border army had been squeezed out by the Huaixi faction, he hadn't gained many war merits.

While Zhang Wu, Wei Quan, Zhuang Wei, and Yan Bing had always been under Zhu Ying's command, naturally they had gained many opportunities to make war merits.

In the army during the Hongwu period, war merit was the foundation of promotion; at this time, there was no such thing as the filth and corruption of the late Ming Dynasty, everything was based on ability, fair and just.

"These documents have all been reported to the Ministry of War through the Daning Military Department. Once the Ministry of War records them, you can receive the salary corresponding to your official promotion."

"From now on, you must also fulfill your respective duties."

Zhu Ying looked at the generals, his expression serious, his eyes revealing trust and expectation for the generals.

"Subordinates understand." The generals replied in unison, their voices revealing uncontrollable excitement.

This feeling was especially obvious for Wei Quan and Zhang Wu, because they had truly risen step by step following Zhu Ying.

In the past, they were only Battalion Commanders, but now they had become generals.

Especially Zhang Wu, who was only a Deputy Battalion Commander in the past, but now had become an Assistant Regional Commander; all of this was obtained by following Zhu Ying.

They were full of gratitude and respect for Zhu Ying, swearing in their hearts to follow Zhu Ying for this life.

"In a few days, I will hold a wedding banquet. You all stay in Daning City for now, and return to your respective camp areas after drinking the wedding wine." Zhu Ying said with a smile.

Hearing this, the generals' eyes lit up, excitement flashing in their eyes, and then they cupped their hands one after another, congratulating loudly: "Congratulations, General."

This voice was even more deafening, full of blessings for Zhu Ying.

"Alright, we are all brothers who have shared life and death, don't say these polite words."

"You go back to the military camp later and tell the brothers that my wedding banquet will be held in the military camp. I have already asked people to buy wine and meat, so we will celebrate together with the brothers in the military camp."

Zhu Ying waved his hand, smiling, hoping to share this joy with all his brothers-in-arms.

"Holding a wedding banquet in the military camp."

"The General is really unconventional."

"That's great, compared to the rules outside, the military camp is more lively."

"Not bad."

"Haha, didn't expect to be able to drink the General's wedding wine directly this time, that's great."

"General, we will definitely celebrate for the General lively."

Hearing that Zhu Ying was going to hold a wedding banquet in the military camp, these generals were in high spirits, becoming even more excited, talking one after another, the main hall full of laughter, very lively.

"Alright, you have just returned not long ago, so have a good rest for a few days, there are many military affairs waiting afterward." Zhu Ying said with a smile.

"Strictly obey the military order." The generals said in unison, showing their absolute obedience to Zhu Ying's military order.

Time passed quietly, soon, five days later.

Outside Daning City, military camp. Today, the military camp drill ground was exceptionally lively.

Nearly twenty thousand soldiers had all taken off their battle armor, put down their weapons, and were wearing neat military uniforms. They sat around piles of bonfires; the bonfires burned fiercely on the drill ground, the flames jumping happily, reflecting red on the soldiers' faces, sparks splashing, as if cheering and celebrating for this wedding banquet.

The entire drill ground was like an ocean of joy, very lively, like the bonfire party of later generations, even more lively, full of a thick festive atmosphere.

"The newlyweds enter."

As the Daning Prefect, Bu Wan had also taken off his official robes today, changed into a gorgeous costume, appearing exceptionally spirited.

He stood on the high platform, announcing loudly, personally presiding over the wedding banquet for Zhu Ying.

Except for Bu Wan, only the Military Department's Huang Yao came to this place from the prefectural office.

Huang Yao stood quietly on the side, a smile on his face, witnessing this important moment.

Following Bu Wan's loud shout, on the platform that had long been built in the center of the drill ground, Zhu Ying wore a bright red wedding suit, his long hair falling smoothly on his back, wearing a crown symbolizing adulthood on his head, the whole person appearing dashing and heroic, with an extraordinary temperament.

And beside Zhu Ying, he held a red cloth embroidered ball, and at the other end of the embroidered ball, Shen Yuer was also holding it gently.

Today's Shen Yuer was also in red, wearing a phoenix crown and rosy cape, with a red headscarf on her head. Although her face was covered by the headscarf, in her every move, she revealed a breathtaking temperament; she was graceful, every step she took was light and elegant, as if she were a fairy walking out of a painting.

"Today, husband Zhu Ying, wife Shen Yuer."

"The joy of a grand wedding, heaven and earth witness." Bu

Wan smiled, facing the Daning border army soldiers in front of the drill ground, his voice high and impassioned.

At this moment, the drill ground gathered many people, yet everyone watched quietly, their eyes full of blessings for their General, and no one dared to make a sound to break this beautiful moment. The entire drill ground was silent, only the crackling sound of the bonfires burning.

"The first ceremony of the newlyweds, bow to heaven and earth."

Bu Wan smiled, looking at Zhu Ying and Shen Yuer, and said loudly.

In response, Zhu Ying wore a joyful smile, a smile that seemed to be able to dispel all the haze in the world.

The couple faced heaven and earth, knelt slowly, and bowed solemnly.

Their movements were neat and solemn, as if declaring their marriage vows to heaven and earth.

"The second ceremony of the newlyweds, bow to the high hall."

Bu Wan said loudly again.

Zhu Ying and Shen Yuer turned slowly. At the position of the high hall, only Lin Fu stood there quietly.

Lin Fu wore simple clothes, a gratified smile on his face. Zhu Ying's parents were no longer in the world, and his grandmother had also passed away some years ago; Lin Fu was already Zhu Ying's only elder.

Watching Zhu Ying and Shen Yuer bowing slowly in front of him, Lin Fu was excited, his eye sockets instantly moist, and tears flowed down involuntarily.

"Old Madam, do you see it in heaven?"

"Young Master is married. If you could see this, Old Madam, you would surely be very happy."

Lin Fu's eyes were filled with tears, thinking silently in his heart about the former Old Madam, Zhu Ying's grandmother.

His hands trembled slightly, as if recalling the bits and pieces of the past.

"The third ceremony of the newlyweds, bow to each other."

Bu Wan shouted loudly again.

Zhu Ying and Shen Yuer turned around, Zhu Ying looking at Shen Yuer under the red headscarf with a gentle gaze, that gaze filled with love and tenderness.

Shen Yuer also seemed to feel his gaze; although she couldn't see his face, she could feel the affection on her face.

Under the witness of the twenty thousand border army soldiers, the couple bowed to each other slowly.

Their movements were light and slow, as if time had stopped for them.

"Ceremony complete. The newlyweds offer tea to the high hall." Bu Wan said loudly.

Only to see two maids coming with tea, walking with light steps.

They wore uniform clothes, smiles on their faces, respectfully handing the tea to Zhu Ying and Shen Yuer.

Zhu Ying and Shen Yuer walked up slowly, holding the teacups with light movements.

"Uncle Lin, please have tea." Zhu Ying held the teacup steadily with both hands, his voice gentle and kind.

"Good, good..." Lin Fu's eye sockets were red, tears hanging in the corners of his eyes, his hands trembling slightly, solemnly receiving the teacup handed by Zhu Ying.

In this lively yet warm wedding banquet scene, the surrounding clamor seemed to become background noise; at this moment, he only had this pair of newlyweds in his eyes, and he slowly brought the teacup to his mouth and took a light sip.

"Uncle Lin."

Shen Yuer's soft voice sounded, her body leaning forward slightly, holding the teacup steadily with both hands, her posture showing respect and gentleness.

The faint moonlight fell on her red phoenix crown and rosy cape, refracting gorgeous light, making her look even more radiant.

"Please have tea." Shen Yuer's tone was full of respect for her elder.

"Yuer, good."

Lin Fu looked at Shen Yuer, his smile deepening, his eyes full of joy and emotion: "Lovers finally become spouses."

While saying this, he reached out to receive the teacup and took a light sip.

After Zhu Ying and his wife finished offering tea, Lin Fu turned around and reached out to pick up wooden-grained boxes from the table beside him.

This box had been worn by time, and the edges were somewhat worn.

Lin Fu took a deep breath, as if calming his inner excitement, then slowly exerted force with both hands, opening the box bit by bit.

"Young Master, Yuer."

Lin Fu's voice trembled slightly, his gaze moving back and forth between Zhu Ying and Shen Yuer: "When Old Madam passed away, she left a pair of jade pendants for this old servant."

Lin Fu paused slightly, as if falling into memories.

"According to Old Madam, they were left by Young Master's parents."

"Old Madam specifically instructed that they should be taken out after Young Master gets married, and today the time has finally come."

Saying this, Lin Fu raised his hand to gently wipe away the tears remaining in the corners of his eyes, the corners of his mouth rising to reveal a warm smile, opening the box a bit more again.

The next moment!

Two pure white jade pendants with warm texture and looking extraordinary met the eyes of Zhu Ying and his wife.

The jade pendants glowed with soft light under the moonlight, the texture delicate, as if telling the story of time.

Looking closely, one was engraved with a simple and vigorous "Yu" character, and the other was engraved with a "Huai" character.

"Young Master." Lin Fu fixed his gaze on Zhu Ying, carrying a kind smile, holding the jade pendant engraved with the "Yu" character with both hands, and solemnly handed it to Zhu Ying, the movement as if passing on an incomparably precious mission: "This one is yours."

"Thank you, Uncle Lin." A trace of emotion flashed in Zhu Ying's eyes; he bowed slightly and received the jade pendant with both hands, his movements carrying full respect.

Placing the jade pendant in his palm, he gazed at it, carefully examining it, seemingly wanting to explore the shadows of his parents from this small jade pendant.

This was his parents' item!

"Yuer."

Lin Fu turned his head again, facing Shen Yuer, his face still hanging with a gentle smile: "This one is yours."

Saying this.

Lin Fu handed the jade pendant engraved with the "Huai" character to Shen Yuer.

"Thank you, Uncle Lin."

Shen Yuer said softly, bending her knees slightly, receiving the jade pendant with both hands, her fingers gently rubbing the handwriting on the jade pendant, her eyes full of cherishing.

At this moment, under the gaze of everyone, the newlyweds each accepted the jade pendants carrying family memories and elders' blessings, adding a different kind of warmth and weight to this wedding banquet.

For Lin Fu.

At this moment, he was naturally becoming more and more happy and excited.

Because.

He had completed the mission Old Madam gave him.

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 127 =====