Chapter 130: The Imperial Decree and the New Life

Time passed as if it were a white horse galloping past a crevice—quietly slipping away!

In the blink of an eye!

Nearly a month had already passed.

And now.

The atmosphere of the New Year was growing ever stronger; in a few more days, the 【Chu Ye】—the night of the passing year, known to later generations as New Year's Eve—which held extraordinary significance for the Han people of Huaxia, would arrive.

More than twenty li outside Daning City, a dense forest came into view.

It was the dead of winter, and out in the open, the biting cold wind howled, causing the tree branches to rustle.

High above in the sky, a golden eagle flapped its wings, circling in the heights.

Through the unique perspective shared with it, the land and dense forest below seemed to be presented entirely before Zhu Ying's eyes.

Under Zhu Ying's gaze.

This dense forest covered an extremely vast area, and wild beasts frequently appeared within it, adding a touch of mystery and danger.

Looking down from high above, one could vaguely see over a dozen wooden huts hidden in the deepest part of the forest; if not for the aerial view, one would never have seen a trace of them, for even from outside the forest or deep within it, one could not detect their existence—they were tucked deep inside, perfectly integrated into the depths, hidden within the jungle.

"General."

Liu Lei rode a warhorse, approaching Zhu Ying with a respectful expression, and spoke, "This is the location for the stronghold that your subordinate has selected."

As Liu Lei spoke, he raised his hand, pointing toward the dense forest ahead.

"Your subordinate led the brothers to scout around for a long time; among many places, only this one is the most concealed and the most suitable for hiding personnel."

Liu Lei paused slightly, a trace of caution appearing on his face, and continued: "According to the General's previous instructions, for the past month, the brothers have been secretly recruiting refugees."

"Now, more than three hundred people have been settled in this forest stronghold."

Having reached this point.

Liu Lei revealed a look of worry: "However, as the number of people continues to increase, the amount of money and grain consumed daily is becoming increasingly massive."

"If we continue to recruit on such a large scale, the money and grain consumed will likely soon catch up to the expenditures of the entire Prefecture."

Upon hearing this!

"Money—do not worry about that."

Zhu Ying sat on horseback, his expression calm as he looked at Liu Lei and said in a deep voice: "No matter how many people are recruited or how much money and grain is consumed, I will supply it with all my might."

He paused.

Zhu Ying narrowed his eyes slightly, a sharp glint flashing within them: "However, the Daning Prefecture territory is vast, and what I want is not limited merely to Daning City. You should be able to understand what I mean, right?"

Hearing this, Liu Lei immediately straightened his back, cupped his hands in a salute, and replied respectfully: "Please rest assured, General. Your subordinate will certainly search carefully in the territories of other cities to find more suitable hidden strongholds."

"Also," Zhu Ying nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over the surrounding personal guards, and continued: "Select those brothers from among the personal guards who are skilled in close-quarters combat and training troops, and have them take charge of training these newly recruited people!"

Then, he emphasized word by word: "What I want to train are death squads; loyalty to me must be placed first, and ability second!"

"As for the specific training matters, let the brothers in charge of training make flexible arrangements based on the actual situation."

"In half a year, I will come personally to inspect the training results."

"Please rest assured, General." Liu Lei cupped his hands in a salute again: "Your subordinate has already arranged for Xiao Han to personally lead twenty brothers to be responsible for training the death squads; in half a year, we will certainly present the General with satisfactory results."

"Mm." Zhu Ying nodded lightly, said no more, and after glancing at the forest, he did not go in, saying: "Return to Daning."

The end of the year was approaching!

Daning City was already immersed in a festive and peaceful atmosphere. On both sides of most commoners' doors, bright red lanterns were hung high, and couplets were pasted on the doors.

Inside the city, shopkeepers and vendors stood before their stalls, calling out enthusiastically.

The overlapping cries of peddlers wove together, playing a lively movement of marketplace life.

This was the annual grand festival of the Han people of Huaxia, naturally attracting many commoners to take to the streets to purchase wine, meat, and various other New Year goods.

Even in the many small towns and villages outside Daning City, many people were driving ox carts, bumping along the road as they hurried toward the city.

The end of the year was near.

Every person's face was brimming with anticipation for the New Year, joyfully purchasing various New Year goods, preparing to welcome this important festival.

No matter the era, the end of the year for the Han people of Huaxia was always this lively and extraordinary, filled with a rich, bustling atmosphere.

Inside the Zhu Fu, surrounded by a group of personal guards, Zhu Ying returned slowly on horseback.

"Young Master."

Lin Fu had been waiting anxiously at the gate of the residence; the moment he saw Zhu Ying, he hurried forward, his expression hurried and his tone filled with anxiety: "An imperial envoy has arrived from Ying Tian to proclaim an edict; please, Young Master, go to the main hall immediately to receive it."

"An imperial envoy?"

Zhu Ying was slightly stunned, a trace of doubt flashing in his eyes, but he quickly reacted.

He nodded immediately, his expression becoming serious: "Good."

Having said that, Zhu Ying strode toward the residence.

When Zhu Ying arrived outside the main hall and looked up, he saw over a hundred soldiers clad in bright red cloaks standing neatly outside.

They stood tall and straight, every one of them looking robust, all wearing armor and carrying sabers, their bodies exuding an awe-inspiring, martial aura.

Zhu Ying recognized at a glance that these were the Jin Wuwei. Their attire was quite similar to the Imperial Palace Guard, but upon closer inspection, one could still find subtle differences.

The Jin Wuwei were the guard troops of the Crown Prince's Donggong.

"It seems to be Zhu Biao's edict."

Zhu Ying pondered to himself, a look of anticipation appearing on his face.

Every time an edict came, it meant good things.

Subsequently, Zhu Ying quickened his pace and walked rapidly into the main hall.

Stepping into the main hall.

What came into view was a Jin Wuwei soldier also wearing a red cloak.

Judging by the style and exquisite quality of the armor on his body, he was clearly a Battalion Commander.

A Jin Wuwei Battalion Commander, as a close attendant to the Crown Prince of the Donggong, although only holding the rank of Battalion Commander, actually held a much higher status than an ordinary Regional Military Commissioner.

"Subject Zhu Ying, respectfully welcomes the imperial envoy."

After Zhu Ying stepped into the main hall, he immediately bowed, fully displaying the etiquette of a subject.

This Jin Wuwei Battalion Commander revealed a kind smile, then held the imperial edict in his hands high, and said in a loud voice: "Daning Regional Military Commissioner Zhu Ying, hear the edict."

"Subject, respectfully listens to the imperial edict." Zhu Ying bowed again, his voice equally resonant.

Because he held a noble title, according to custom, he could face the Emperor without kneeling; this was a special honor bestowed by his noble rank.

As for the many personal guards behind Zhu Ying, they knelt down in unison, the atmosphere solemn and grave.

"By the grace of Heaven, the Crown Prince decrees, saying!"

The Jin Wuwei Battalion Commander's voice was high-pitched and impassioned, echoing within the main hall: "I have heard that Zhu Qing has married in Daning and taken a beautiful wife; I hereby extend my congratulations to Zhu Qing on his new marriage."

"Considering that Zhu Qing has been loyal to the country with all his heart and has rendered meritorious service, I specially bestow one thousand taels of gold, one thousand taels of silver, one hundred pieces of jade, one hundred bolts of brocade, fifty servants, and ten stalks each of ginseng and fleeceflower root."

"Respect this."

The voice fell.

"Subject Zhu Ying, thanks the Crown Prince for his great grace." Zhu Ying immediately responded in a loud voice.

The Jin Wuwei Battalion Commander smiled, stepped forward to Zhu Ying, held the imperial edict high with both hands, and handed it to Zhu Ying solemnly.

Zhu Ying also raised both hands and received the imperial edict with a solemn expression.

At the same time, a panel notification sounded in Zhu Ying's mind: "Received one imperial edict, rewarded with one ordinary treasure chest."

"General Zhu."

The Jin Wuwei Battalion Commander said with a smile: "My name is Luo Yang, and I am a commander of the Donggong Jin Wuwei."

"Hearing of General Zhu's happy marriage, His Highness the Crown Prince was also extremely pleased, so he specially ordered me to come and congratulate General Zhu and bestow these generous royal gifts."

Having said this, Luo Yang clapped his hands lightly and ordered in a loud voice: "Carry them all into the main hall."

As soon as the words fell, a group of Jin Wuwei acted quickly, carrying a dozen or so chests into the main hall one after another.

Each chest had a conspicuous seal on it, and the marks on the seals were clearly visible, clearly to prevent anyone from opening them privately during transport.

"General Zhu."

Luo Yang smiled and said with a very easygoing expression: "These are the gifts bestowed by His Highness the Crown Prince for General Zhu's marriage."

As a close official who often attended the Crown Prince Zhu Biao, Luo Yang naturally had an extraordinary status, but when facing Zhu Ying, he appeared very easygoing; perhaps this was also because Zhu Biao valued Zhu Ying highly.

"Sorry to trouble Commander Luo to come personally to deliver the edict."

Zhu Ying said with a serious face, his expression sincere: "After Commander Luo returns, please be sure to convey to His Highness the Crown Prince that Zhu Ying is grateful for the Crown Prince's grace of bestowal."

"I will certainly perform my duties faithfully, guard Daning for the Great Ming, protect the peace of the region, and never let the enemies of the northern frontier have the slightest opportunity."

"I will certainly convey General Zhu's words to His Highness without a single word changed." Luo Yang smiled and said: "The task His Highness entrusted to me this time has been completed, so I will return to report the mission."

"Thank you, Commander Luo." Zhu Ying immediately cupped his hands in a return salute, appearing very humble.

Subsequently, Zhu Ying personally escorted Luo Yang and the group of Jin Wuwei to the gate of the residence.

Standing at the gate, he watched their departing backs until they disappeared at the end of the street in the distance.

"Young Master."

Lin Fu, standing to the side, wore a worried expression and couldn't help but ask: "Why not take out some money to tip these people? After all, they are people from the Donggong in Ying Tian. Since we didn't tip them this time, will it make them harbor resentment toward the Young Master?"

"Tipping depends on the person." Zhu Ying explained with a calm expression and a peaceful gaze: "If it were a eunuch who came, perhaps one could consider using money to tip them."

"But these Jin Wuwei are different; as the guard troops beside the Crown Prince, their style of conduct is very different from that of eunuchs."

"If one were to rashly use money to tip them, it might instead lead to them reporting us."

Although Zhu Ying did not have a deep understanding of the specific conduct of the Jin Wuwei, through his study of history, he was quite knowledgeable about Zhu Biao.

Historical records state that Zhu Biao was regarded as the successor most recognized by Zhu Yuanzhang; he was capable, kind-hearted, but also hated evil with a passion.

If he were to use money to tip the Jin Wuwei beside him, it would only leave a bad impression on Zhu Biao.

"By the way, Lin Bo." Zhu Ying regained his composure, revealed a concerned smile, and asked: "How is the preparation for the winery going?"

"It's almost ready." Lin Fu replied immediately: "Most of the craftsmen from our family have already arrived."

"Once the end of the year passes, we can officially start brewing wine."

"That is excellent."

Zhu Ying nodded slightly, very satisfied: "This time, the winery will first concentrate its efforts on brewing wine."

"Once the wine is brewed, we will then proceed to prepare for opening the restaurant."

Zhu Ying fell into a brief contemplation.

For the future, Zhu Ying had long since had his own plans.

Besides the power he had now obtained by relying on the Great Ming, wealth was equally crucial; these two were the keys to strengthening himself.

Although Zhu Ying had obtained Nahachu's treasury, the wealth within it was ultimately limited; if one were to consume it blindly, there would eventually come a day when it would be exhausted.

What Zhu Ying pursued was a method to continuously and stably acquire wealth.

After careful consideration, it was better to stick to his old profession; after all, in this era, the most profitable things were controlled by the imperial court, such as salt.

Therefore.

Brewing and selling wine was currently a more feasible way to make money.

In the past, when he was in Beiping Prefecture, Zhu Ying had opened a winery and cooperated with the Shen family.

At that time, Zhu Ying's winery was responsible for brewing, while the Shen family was responsible for selling the wine to various places.

Relying on this model, Zhu Ying's life in the past was quite comfortable, and he could be considered to have some family wealth.

Of course, by the time Lin Fu set off to find Zhu Ying, the winery Zhu Ying had previously opened had already been dissolved.

"With the quality of the fine wine brewed by the Young Master's winery, it was able to sell well in Beiping Prefecture, and it will be equally popular in Daning Prefecture and even the entire Great Ming."

Lin Fu said with a look of pride.

Subsequently.

A sneer appeared on Lin Fu's face as he thought of the Shen family: "The craftsmen who came from Beiping Prefecture said that because the old servant closed the winery, the wine of our Zhu family could not be bought in the market of Beiping Prefecture, and now the business of the Shen family's restaurant has been significantly affected."

"It was fortunate that the Young Master considered everything thoroughly back then; the method of brewing wine is completely in our own hands. Even if the Shen family wants to win over those brewing workers, it will be of no avail."

"Technology is the fundamental basis." Zhu Ying said with a serious expression, then emphasized: "In the future, the protection of the wine recipe will still be your personal responsibility, Lin Bo; you must ensure that nothing goes wrong."

"Please rest assured, Young Master." Lin Fu guaranteed solemnly: "The old servant will certainly guard the wine recipe for the Young Master and will never let it leak in the slightest."

The winery and the wine recipe were the Young Master's important foundation for the future; Lin Fu knew their importance well and would naturally do his best to guard them.

"Also," Zhu Ying continued: "The winery can start brewing wine after the end of the year, and the restaurant also needs to have its location selected and decorated in advance."

"You must also personally oversee this matter; the cities in the entire Daning Prefecture can be considered as the scope for selecting the location."

"As for places outside Daning Prefecture, we will make plans later."

In later generations, every industry would have its local bullies and regional divisions.

Not to mention in this era.

Now Zhu Ying was the Daning Regional Military Commissioner and could be considered a person of some standing in Daning, enough to protect the industries under his command, but in other places, that might not be the case.

Therefore, it was better to prioritize Daning as the primary focus of operations.

"The old servant understands." Lin Fu nodded seriously, keeping Zhu Ying's instructions firmly in mind.

Immediately after, Lin Fu remembered another matter and spoke: "Young Master, according to your instructions, the residence has recruited a total of more than three hundred servants who meet the age requirements this month."

"As for their subsequent arrangements, what do you think...?"

"I will have Liu Lei screen them."

Zhu Ying said with a calm expression: "Those who are suitable will be taken away directly and arranged in other places; those who are not suitable will be arranged to work in the winery or restaurant."

After sighing slightly: "Also, if there are still suitable candidates among the refugees, you can continue to recruit."

"Saving one more person is a good deed."

Zhu Ying knew well that the world was difficult; even if the imperial court had made arrangements and formulated relief methods, it was ultimately treating the symptoms but not the root cause.

Especially after the Great War in Liaodong, countless people were displaced by the war, and crowds of refugees could be seen everywhere.

These wounds required a long time to slowly heal.

Even though the imperial court had allocated relief supplies, they could only guarantee the basic food and clothing of the commoners; those with weak constitutions still found it difficult to escape the fate of death.

Precisely because of this, Zhu Ying had the residence send people to screen suitable candidates among the refugees; it was both to reserve strength for himself and to save people from fire and water—it could be said to be killing two birds with one stone.

Just at this moment, a maid from the residence ran over in a hurry; her steps were hurried, and her face was filled with irrepressible joy. Zhu Ying and Lin Fu immediately turned their gazes toward her.

"Master." The maid ran to Zhu Ying, panting slightly, and said excitedly: "The Lady is pregnant."

"Pregnant?" Zhu Ying was shocked, a look of disbelief flashing across his face, followed by a surge of wild joy, and his eyes instantly lit up.

"Lin Bo, let's go!" Zhu Ying shouted excitedly, unable to wait as he sprinted toward where Shen Yuer was.

"Give a reward."

Lin Fu first said to the maid, then quickly took out a tael of silver from his bosom and handed it to the maid.

Immediately after, he was also filled with excitement and hurried after Zhu Ying.

Inside the inner residence, Shen Yuer sat dignifiedly on a chair; her face was also filled with irrepressible excitement and happiness, and her eyes were full of tenderness and anticipation.

"Husband." Seeing Zhu Ying hurry over, Shen Yuer said gently, her voice soft: "I am pregnant with your child."

"Good, that's good."

Zhu Ying hurried to Shen Yuer's side, his face full of smiles, his eyes filled with concern: "Yuer, you must rest well and take good care of yourself and the child."

Having lived two lives, Zhu Ying had never felt as excited as he did at this moment.

His own bloodline, his own offspring, was already quietly gestating in Shen Yuer's womb, which filled his heart with joy and an indescribable sense of responsibility.

"You all must take good care of the Lady from now on."

Lin Fu turned his head and said to the maids serving on the side, his tone carrying a bit of sternness: "If the Lady suffers any mishap, I will certainly hold you accountable."

"Yes." Several maids responded in unison immediately.

"This year is truly a most auspicious year for me, Zhu Ying!"

Zhu Ying said with deep emotion, his eyes full of joy and satisfaction: "This end of the year is also the most comfortable and pleasant one I have ever spent."

Looking at Shen Yuer, who was full of happiness before him, a warm current surged in Zhu Ying's heart.

This year, he went from being a nobody to struggling his way to becoming the Daning Regional Military Commissioner, wielding great power over a region.

This year, he went from being an ordinary person to successfully transforming into a superhuman with five thousand points in all attributes.

This year, his bloodline was able to continue; nine months later, he would welcome his own offspring.

With so many happy events coinciding with the upcoming New Year, it could truly be said that good fortune was smiling upon him, with one good thing after another.

After comforting Shen Yuer, Zhu Ying returned to the main hall where he usually handled military affairs.

On weekdays, Zhu Ying spent most of his time stationed in the military camp.

Now, with the end of the year approaching, the government offices had also entered a period of rest, which was why Zhu Ying had returned to the residence to handle some military affairs.

"Zhu Biao." Zhu Ying sat on the chair, his gaze falling on the imperial edict on the table, and muttered to himself: "He is really generous; at the time of my marriage, he actually sent such a generous gift."

"If the trajectory of history could be changed, with Zhu Biao's ability, the Great Ming would certainly be even more prosperous."

Thinking of Zhu Biao's tragic ending in history, Zhu Ying sighed slightly, a complex look flashing in his eyes.

But he also knew that he would not participate in changing the course of this history and could only choose to be a bystander.

Moreover.

He could not intervene either.

Should he tell Zhu Biao directly that he would die of illness in the future?

It was likely that if he said this, Zhu Yuanzhang would be enraged.

And.

Zhu Ying had never had the thought of being a subject forever.

Now, he was in the Great Ming, merely accumulating strength.

Relying on his long lifespan and his powerful strength as a man who could fight ten thousand, creating a kingdom of his own in the future was not an unreachable dream.

If it were said that Zhu Ying's ambition in the past stemmed merely from a personal pursuit of hegemony.

Then now, Shen Yuer was pregnant, which undoubtedly further stimulated the ambition deep within Zhu Ying's heart.

Although he had a long lifespan, if he wanted to live longer and become stronger in the future, conquering in all directions and expanding his sphere of influence was an indispensable path.

If he really established a kingdom one day, Zhu Ying could completely let his son manage the country, while he himself could devote himself to conquest without any worries, to explore a broader world.

"Finally gathered three treasure chests."

Zhu Ying regained his composure, a look of anticipation on his face: "One First Rank treasure chest, two ordinary treasure chests. Coinciding with so many happy events today, I must open them and see."

"Open all treasure chests." Zhu Ying immediately gave the command to the panel.

"Host command issued, opening all treasure chests."

"Opening two ordinary treasure chests."

"Obtained 【Distillation Brewing Method】."

"Obtained 【Fine Medicinal Wine Brewing Method】."

"Opening First Rank treasure chest."

"Obtained Yellow Rank, Low-grade 【Longmen Trap-Kill Military Formation】."

The panel prompted.

Looking at the three things drawn from the panel.

A strange look also appeared on Zhu Ying's face.

"Distillation brewing is faster than fermentation brewing, and there is also the fine medicinal wine brewing method."

"These two treasure chests are really thoughtful, knowing that I am about to open a winery and a restaurant."

"They actually opened these two directly."

"This First Rank treasure chest is also not bad."

"Longmen Formation."

(End of chapter)