Chapter 135: Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang: Crush the Northern Yuan! Display Han Might!

"Your Highness."

Lady Lü slightly bowed, her face filled with concern, her voice soft: "The training intensity in Marquis Yongchang's army is too harsh. Yongteng's body is frail—how can he endure such brutal discipline?"

"Moreover, Master Liu has noted that Yongteng has yet to pass several subjects; he must focus earnestly on remedying his weaknesses."

"Besides, Yongteng is the Crown Prince's legitimate son, of the highest noble status—how can he be sent to the army to wield swords and spears, immersed in coarse military affairs?"

"Even if he wishes to learn martial arts, he should follow imperial protocol, with the Donggong carefully selecting a master to instruct him."

As Lady Lü spoke, her tone carried the unmistakable air of someone acting solely for Yongteng's benefit.

Yongteng had initially felt a ripple of hope upon hearing Lan Yu's suggestion of military training—escaping the Donggong's constraints would be a great blessing for him.

Yet Lady Lü's next words doused his hopes like a bucket of ice water.

He knew too well how deeply his father favored Lady Lü—once she spoke, his father would obey without question.

After all, Lady Lü had managed the Donggong flawlessly on the surface, always aligning with Zhu Biao's wishes.

Perhaps, in Zhu Biao's heart, his own son held less worth than this concubine.

As expected!

Upon hearing Lady Lü's words,

Zhu Biao made his decision at once: "Uncle, do not trouble yourself with Yongteng's education."

"The masters of Daben Hall will see to his instruction and ensure his progress."

Zhu Biao sat upright on the main seat, his expression calm yet radiating undeniable authority, every gesture exuding imperial dignity.

A flicker of barely perceptible disappointment passed through Lan Yu's eyes; faced with Zhu Biao, he could only reluctantly submit, though his heart resisted.

"Your servant understands," Lan Yu bowed slightly, his voice heavy with disappointment.

"Take Yongteng away. I have matters to discuss with my uncle," Zhu Biao said to Lady Lü, his gaze as still as water.

"Your servant accepts the imperial command," Lady Lü thought inwardly with quiet triumph, her face betraying nothing. She stepped lightly, feigning deep affection for Yongteng, walking to his side, gently taking his hand—natural, effortless—and slowly walked out.

Though Yongteng longed to break free, he dared not.

Even with Lan Yu present, Yongteng dared not speak a word.

After all, he was simply too cowardly.

"This woman is no ordinary person."

Lan Yu watched Lady Lü's retreating back, his brow furrowed, a deep unease rising within him.

"I must be far more vigilant toward her from now on."

Originally, Lan Yu had intended to bring Yongteng under his wing, carefully training him to lay the groundwork for the Huaixi faction's future.

But Lady Lü's depth of scheming and her skillful manipulation left him shaken.

Zhu Biao had already placed complete trust in her!

After Lady Lü departed, Zhu Biao remained seated firmly on the main seat, calm and composed, his gaze level as he turned to Lan Yu: "Uncle, what brings you to the Donggong?"

"Your Highness," Lan Yu bowed slightly, his tone respectful: "Today, I came first to check on Yongteng, and second…"

Lan Yu raised his head, a spark of anticipation gleaming in his eyes: "Has His Majesty and Your Highness already decided on the campaign against the Northern Yuan?"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Biao's lips curled into a faint smile—he had known from the start the true purpose of Lan Yu's visit.

"Uncle, speak plainly," Zhu Biao said calmly.

Lan Yu no longer hesitated. He rose at once, clasped his fists, and bowed deeply before Zhu Biao: "Your Highness! Given our close bond, I speak frankly: if the Great Ming launches an offensive against the Northern Yuan, I humbly beg Your Highness to grant me command of the troops."

"The Great Ming has stood for years, yet I remain merely a marquis. I yearn to rise higher—I beg Your Highness to grant me this favor."

As Lan Yu finished, his eyes burned with longing and resolve.

His desire for the title of Duke was utterly unhidden.

Zhu Biao nodded slowly, his expression grave: "This campaign against the Northern Yuan is a matter of great state policy, vital to the security of our northern frontier and the final resolution of our border threat—its significance, Uncle, you must understand."

"I fully comprehend the weight of this campaign," Lan Yu straightened, his face brimming with confidence: "The Northern Yuan is no longer the mighty Yuan of old. If I am appointed Grand General to lead the expedition, I shall utterly crush them and rid the Great Ming of this enduring threat."

Yet!

Zhu Biao slowly shook his head: "Do not even think of the Grand General's post. His Majesty has already chosen the appointee."

"This time, I can only grant you the rank of Main Commander—as you were during the Liaodong campaign—leading one division of troops."

Upon hearing this, Lan Yu's expression darkened slightly, a flash of disappointment crossing his eyes.

But then he remembered he still had the chance to lead troops into battle, and his spirits lifted somewhat.

"Your servant thanks Your Highness."

Lan Yu bowed deeply, his voice thick with gratitude—he knew this opportunity was likely secured for him by Zhu Biao.

"Uncle, given our close ties, I need not repeat what is obvious."

"This campaign is not merely about striking or defeating the Northern Yuan—it concerns the very fate and prosperity of the Great Ming."

"Though our forces are numerous, warfare is ever-changing; victory is never certain."

"As Main Commander of one division, I expect you to earn great merit in this war."

"If you achieve outstanding feats, I shall personally plead with His Majesty to elevate you to Duke."

"If you cannot… then I cannot help you."

Zhu Biao spoke with solemn gravity, his gaze filled with expectation—and a subtle push.

Upon hearing the words "Duke's title," Lan Yu's eyes blazed with fervor. Without hesitation, he dropped to his knees: "Your Highness, rest assured—I shall not fail you. This campaign, I shall leave not a single piece of armor on the Northern Yuan!"

"Good."

Zhu Biao watched Lan Yu's determined stance and nodded in satisfaction—this was precisely what he had hoped to see.

Zhu Biao had already discussed this with his father: if Lan Yu earned merit on the battlefield against the Northern Yuan, the title of Duke would be sealed—this was both incentive and pressure.

…

Daning Prefecture!

Within the territory of Daning Prefecture.

Deep in the dense forest, silent and profound, ancient trees towered, their branches interwoven, casting an eerie gloom—yet also perfect concealment.

Here lay the Black Guard's stronghold.

"Kill!"

A unified, lethal cry shattered the forest's stillness.

Three hundred youths, boys and girls alike, wielding wooden swords, moved with agile grace, launching swift assaults against their opponents.

Their eyes were sharp, cold, each strike brutal, every thrust aimed precisely at vital points.

To them, only killing existed—they were born for assassination.

After their fierce combat,

The victors swiftly darted across the training ground within the stronghold.

In their hands, they held repeating crossbows, moving with agility and precision, advancing even as they pulled the triggers.

In an instant, bolts flew like swarms of locusts.

Shhh!

Shhh!

Bolts pierced the air.

Many struck the training targets dead center, revealing their exceptional marksmanship.

Then, they dropped low, slinking forward in silent stealth, moving like ghosts.

Outside the training ground, dozens of figures clad in black, faces veiled, stood in perfect formation around a man in a black robe and wide-brimmed hat.

Each veiled figure stood rigid, eyes focused, radiating a chilling aura of death.

"Lord."

Xiao Han stood respectfully to the side, bowing slightly, his voice tinged with pride: "These are the results of the third batch of death soldiers after three months of training."

"They are now fully formed, ready for deployment—like the first batch, they recognize only the token, not the person, and will serve you unto death."

Standing among them was Zhu Ying.

He stood motionless, his eyes beneath the hat calm as he observed everything on the training ground.

Now!

Nearly a year had passed since the Liaodong campaign ended.

Time flew—another New Year approached. In this year, Zhu Ying's own force had grown from nothing to a formidable structure, now numbering over thirteen hundred, scattered across Daning Prefecture.

Zhu Ying named this exclusive force the Black Guard.

Maintaining death soldiers was no simple matter.

Training dozens might be affordable, but sustaining over a hundred demanded staggering resources.

Death soldiers were defined not only by brutal training, but by immense financial investment.

It was only because Zhu Ying had seized Naha Chu's treasury that he possessed the wealth to develop the Black Guard to its current scale.

Zhu Ying gazed at the nascent Black Guard, deeply satisfied, and nodded—his approval of Xiao Han.

Then, he gave a quiet order: "Continue expanding the Black Guard. Extend operations into Beiping Prefecture."

Zhu Ying's voice was low, carrying absolute authority.

"Your servant obeys," Xiao Han replied instantly, crisp and decisive.

"Moreover, since the Black Guard is now trained, it is time to act."

"From today, investigate Shen family's trade routes comprehensively."

"Any Shen family caravan found outside Daning Prefecture—kill on sight, seize all goods."

"I will make it impossible for the Shen family to conduct business in the north."

Start with Pingping Prefecture, then gradually expand to other prefectures.

For anyone from the Shen family in Pingping Prefecture, kill one and receive a hundred taels; kill Shen Wansan's son, and receive a thousand taels.

This is the Black Guard's first mission—and a long-term, executable one.

Zhu Ying stared at the Black Guards on the training ground, a cold killing intent flashing in his eyes as he ordered Xiao Han in a low voice.

The reason we're not acting in Danning Prefecture yet is because it's Zhu Ying's territory; though the Shen family has some business there, it's minimal—their roots lie in Pingping Prefecture and its surroundings.

After learning Zhu Ying had become Regional Military Commissioner of Danning, the Shen family wisely moved their assets out of Danning Prefecture.

"Your servant accepts the order," Xiao Han replied solemnly.

"That's all. Return to Danning."

Zhu Ying nodded and said no more.

The Black Guard's purpose is to do for him what he cannot do openly—such as revenge.

Of course, the Black Guard is also his solid shield for protecting his family; even within the mansion, dozens of Black Guards have been quietly placed.

By day, they pose as ordinary servants, seemingly insignificant, but in truth, they are death-soldiers sworn to Zhu Ying.

Except!

They follow orders faithfully, vowing to protect Zhu Ying and his family, yet they do not know Zhu Ying is their master.

The Black Guard, as Xiao Han said, obeys orders, not men—and Zhu Ying is their supreme command, with a special token etched into the death-soldiers' minds.

Zhu Ying fully understands the stakes and acts with extreme caution; even if a death-soldier is captured and tortured, he could never expose his connection to Zhu Ying, for the death-soldiers have never seen Zhu Ying's true face.

This secretive, secure model is undoubtedly viable.

…

Danning City! Inner City.

On a street in the bustling market, people came and went, lively and vibrant.

Shops lined both sides of the street; cries of vendors and laughter intertwined, forming a vivid portrait of urban prosperity.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we're truly sorry!"

"Today's premium brew has sold out—we only have mid-grade and low-grade liquor left."

At the front of a tavern, the waiter beamed at the queue and shouted loudly.

Before the tavern, crowds surged; hundreds lined up in orderly fashion, the queue winding and stretching all the way to the street's corner.

Not only was the tavern's exterior bustling, its interior was packed to capacity. Both floors were filled with guests; every table seated patrons, cups clinked, laughter rang out, the scent of wine permeated the entire building—a scene of thriving business.

This tavern was none other than Zhu Ying's own enterprise—Jinzun Mansion.

Within Danning City, Jinzun Mansion had opened three branches; across the entire Danning Prefecture, over fifty had sprung up like mushrooms after rain, with Jinzun Mansion present in nearly every town.

Jinzun Mansion's liquor had a unique taste—sweeter, richer, and stronger than ordinary wine, beloved by the people of Danning Prefecture.

In this northern land, while women were vital to life, fine liquor was indispensable, having become an essential part of daily existence.

Before opening the taverns, Zhu Ying had been spending gold like water to maintain death-soldiers and personal guards—only outflows, no income—creating immense financial pressure.

But with the gradual opening of Jinzun Mansion taverns, the situation reversed instantly; daily profits poured in, sufficient to fund Zhu Ying's death-soldiers and all other expenses, achieving perfect financial circulation.

Return to the Zhu Mansion!

As the residence of the Regional Military Commissioner of Danning, today was New Year's Eve.

Fresh couplets had already been pasted above the gate.

At the entrance, personal guards stood watch, weapons in hand, eyes sharp and deadly, guarding the mansion's peace.

Night fell; lanterns lit up, and the entire Danning City was immersed in festive cheer.

Inside, the New Year's Eve feast was about to begin—another year of celebration.

The twenty-second year of Emperor Hongwu was slowly drawing near.

In the city, countless fireworks soared into the sky, bursting into brilliant, colorful lights, turning the dark night into a dreamlike painting.

Inside the mansion!

Zhu Ying stood quietly in the courtyard, arms behind his back, gazing up at the dazzling fireworks in the sky.

Beside him, Shen Shen Yuer gently held their three-month-old Zhu Xi, her gaze tender and loving.

"It's the twenty-second year of Emperor Hongwu."

Zhu Ying murmured softly, his gaze deep: "Once the New Year passes, war will surely come."

His voice was low and calm, as if stating an inevitable fact.

The next day! Early morning!

On the mansion's training ground!

As usual, Zhu Ying trained the Eight Extremes Fist with his personal guards; the shouts of exertion echoed across the field.

At that moment, Xiao Han rushed over, his expression urgent: "General, the Imperial Envoy has arrived, bearing the imperial decree!"

Zhu Ying immediately stopped his movements, slowly turning his head to look at Xiao Han.

Yet.

Zhu Ying's expression was utterly calm, as if he had long anticipated this day.

Three months ago, upon seeing that grain and supply transfer ledger, Zhu Ying had already known the war he feared would come.

"Go welcome the envoy."

Without hesitation, Zhu Ying swiftly descended from the training ground.

Looking up, he saw dozens of Imperial Guard soldiers escorting an Imperial Guard Platoon Leader approaching.

The Imperial Guards wore bright armor, held long spears, marched in perfect unison, radiating solemn authority.

"Your servant Zhu Ying, respectfully welcomes the envoy."

Zhu Ying faced the Imperial Guard Platoon Leader, his expression solemn, and bowed deeply.

"Welcome the envoy!"

The surrounding personal guards, seeing this, knelt in unison and shouted together, their voices echoing across the training ground.

"Regional Military Commissioner of Danning, Zhu Ying, receive the decree."

The arriving Imperial Guard Platoon Leader, expression stern, wasted no time, unfurled the decree, and proclaimed loudly: "By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees!"

"The Northern Yuan is our Great Ming's eternal enemy, driven from the Central Plains and stripped of its foundations."

"Yet the Northern Yuan's heart remains unrepentant, repeatedly invading our borders, harassing our people, defying the imperial way—its crimes are monstrous."

"How can the might of Great Ming tolerate such defiance?"

"Therefore, I hereby order Regional Military Commissioner of Danning's border forces, Zhu Ying: return immediately to your post, mobilize the Danning border troops, and assemble at Pingping Prefecture."

"Once the army gathers, crush the Northern Yuan and display the heavenly might of Han."

"This is the decree."

The Imperial Guard Platoon Leader's voice rang loud, echoing around the mansion's training ground.

Hearing this!

Zhu Ying immediately bowed: "Your servant Zhu Ying accepts the decree."

The Imperial Guard Platoon Leader stepped forward and respectfully placed the decree into Zhu Ying's hands.

"General Zhu, His Majesty's order: you must march immediately upon receiving the decree—no delays."

The Imperial Guard Platoon Leader said sternly.

"Your servant obeys," Zhu Ying nodded, gripping the decree firmly, his thoughts swirling.

"Host has received an imperial decree. Reward: one Common Chest."

At the instant the decree entered his hands, the familiar system prompt echoed in Zhu Ying's mind.

"Your servant has delivered the decree and now returns to the capital to report."

"General Zhu, farewell."

The Imperial Guard Platoon Leader bowed, then turned and led the dozens of Imperial Guards away from the mansion, their steps synchronized, swift and decisive, embodying the imperial guard's dignity and might.

"General, war is about to begin again."

Liu Lei and Xiao Han hurried over immediately, their eyes filled with both anticipation for the coming war and a hint of unease.

After all, unlike their previous campaign in Liaodong against Naha Chu, this time they would face the entire Northern Yuan.

Naha Chu was merely a vassal of the Northern Yuan; now they faced what once ruled the Central Plains—the Northern Yuan itself!

"Northern Yuan? Merely a dying force—nothing to fear."

Zhu Ying smiled faintly, his eyes brimming with confidence, showing no trace of fear.

His thoughts went beyond battlefield valor and gaining attributes—he remembered the map to the Imperial Seal, whose location lay deep within Northern Yuan territory.

If he could find the Imperial Seal during this war, one day he might legitimately establish a Han dynasty.

"Endowed by Heaven, long-lasting and eternal"—who among the Huaxia people does not yearn for those eight characters?

It is the ultimate symbol of imperial authority!

"Liu Lei, send personal guards at once to every military camp in Danning Prefecture. Order all Deputy Commanders to mobilize immediately and head for Pingping Prefecture."

"Camps closer to Pingping Prefecture shall wait at the border between Danning and Pingping; the rest shall hasten their march and converge on Pingping as quickly as possible."

Zhu Ying ordered sternly to Liu Lei.

…

(End of Chapter)