Chapter 136: Northern Expedition, Northern Expedition! Zhu Di

Upon hearing this!

Liu Lei, standing beside Zhu Ying, had his expression sharpen. He quickly cupped his hands and replied, "This subordinate accepts the order."

Having said that, Liu Lei turned around nimbly, his footsteps hurried as he strode toward the various Company Commanders of his personal guard.

"The General has an order."

"Quickly relay the order to all battalions of our Daning border army: set out for Beiping Prefecture."

Liu Lei relayed Zhu Ying's military order to the Company Commanders of the personal guard.

"This subordinate obeys."

The Company Commanders nodded one after another. After receiving the order, they hurried out of the residence.

In an instant!

Beside the hitching posts outside the residence, the personal guards quickly untied the reins and vaulted onto their horses.

Following the sound of crisp whip cracks, the steeds neighed. Everyone spurred their horses and galloped toward the various military camps to convey the order.

As Zhu Ying watched their retreating backs, he sighed slightly, turned around, and stepped back into the residence.

"Yuer."

Zhu Ying stepped into the inner hall and called out softly, his voice carrying a hint of tenderness and reluctance.

At this moment.

Shen Yuer heard Zhu Ying's voice. She raised her head, her eyes filled with concern.

Zhu Ying walked to her side and said slowly, "The imperial court's decree has arrived; the war has begun. This campaign may be longer than the conquest of Liaodong. From now on, Xi Er, you must take good care of him."

Shen Yuer stood up, holding their son in her swaddling clothes. Although there was reluctance in her eyes, she said very understandingly, "My husband, please go with peace of mind. I will always be waiting at home for your triumphant return."

Having said this, she raised her hand to gently straighten Zhu Ying's collar, her movements soft and filled with concern for him.

Zhu Ying turned his head again to look at Lin Bo, who was standing quietly to the side, and said solemnly, "Lin Bo, I leave everything at home to your care."

Lin Bo bowed slightly, his aged face bearing a solemn expression, and said firmly, "Young Master, be careful on the journey. This old servant will look after the home well."

After finishing these instructions, two personal guards walked in with steady steps, carrying Zhu Ying's weapons and battle armor.

Seeing this.

"Husband."

"Let me armor you."

Shen Yuer handed their son to a maidservant nearby, then slowly walked to the battle armor, lifting it gently with both hands, her eyes filled with reluctance and worry.

Her movements were gentle as she carefully armored Zhu Ying, every action imbued with deep affection.

With the armor on, Zhu Ying instantly transformed into the god of slaughter from the battlefields of the past. He tightened the sword at his waist, and although there was reluctance for his wife and child in his eyes, they also revealed determination.

Perhaps this was the destiny of a soldier in this era: a man must go on an expedition to fight the enemy for his country, and no matter how much reluctance he feels, he must embark on the journey.

At the Daning City military camp, on the drill ground.

The sun shone down intensely. Twenty thousand soldiers were all clad in heavy battle armor, holding weapons.

The armor gleamed coldly in the sunlight, and the weapons were sharp, flashing with a biting killing intent.

Liu Lei stood on one side of the drill ground, took a deep breath, and then shouted with all his might, "The General has arrived."

The voice resounded throughout the entire drill ground.

Hearing this shout, the drill ground, which had been slightly noisy, instantly fell silent. The twenty thousand soldiers all wore serious expressions, facing the command platform in unison.

With a boom, everyone knelt on one knee, emitting a uniform and deafening sound: "Greetings, General."

This sound was like rolling thunder, echoing within the military camp, fully displaying the might of the army.

Zhu Ying walked steadily onto the command platform, his gaze like a torch, sweeping over the twenty thousand soldiers on the drill ground.

Subsequently.

Zhu Ying cleared his throat and said loudly, "Soldiers of the Daning border army!"

"Northern Yuan has repeatedly invaded our Great Ming, killing our Great Ming citizens and slaughtering our Great Ming commoners. This hatred and enmity are irreconcilable."

"The imperial court has already sent down a decree."

"Our Daning border army is to set out on an expedition against Northern Yuan to take revenge for those citizens who died tragically under the slaughter of Northern Yuan."

"Soldiers, do you dare to follow me, Zhu Ying, to fight again on the battlefield?"

At this point.

Zhu Ying's voice was impassioned, echoing in the military camp for a long time.

"We swear to follow the General to the death."

"Kill, kill, kill!"

The twenty thousand soldiers were in high spirits, raising their weapons and shouting in unison.

At this moment, every soldier's face was filled with hot blood and fighting spirit, their voices converging as if to pierce the clouds.

This was the Daning border army trained under Zhu Ying, their morale like a rainbow.

"Good."

Zhu Ying nodded with satisfaction and said loudly, "I won't say any more nonsense!"

"All troops, listen to the order!"

"Set out for Beiping Prefecture to rendezvous with the imperial court's army on the Northern Yuan expedition."

"Speed is the essence of war. Depart immediately."

Subsequently, the several generals standing behind Zhu Ying acted quickly.

Chen Heng's gaze was firm as he strode toward the army he commanded.

Zhang Wu was excited, rubbing his hands together as he ran quickly to the front of the ranks.

Wei Quan and Liu Zhen had calm expressions, methodically commanding the soldiers and shouting orders loudly.

Led by the various generals, the army marched out of the military camp in an orderly fashion.

For a time, the sounds of footsteps, hoofbeats, and clashing weapons intertwined as the twenty-thousand-strong army left the camp in a mighty force, advancing toward Beiping Prefecture.

At this moment, it was not just the Daning border army; the Huizhouwei garrisoned in Huizhou, and the fifty thousand reorganized troops under Mu Ying, also received the imperial court's decree and marched westward, preparing to assemble at Beiping Prefecture.

In this battle, Great Ming could be said to have made up its mind to commit absolute force to crush Northern Yuan.

The Daning border army, the Beiping border army, the Huizhouwei, and the 150,000-strong army belonging to the Great Ming Five Chief Military Commissions all set out on the expedition.

Added to this were no fewer than 100,000 logistics troops, totaling more than 400,000 soldiers marching toward Northern Yuan, determined to launch a massive Northern Expedition.

Not to return until Northern Yuan is broken.

Great Ming capital, Ying Tianfu, Fengtian Hall!

Sunlight shone through the tall hall doors, adding to the sense of awe and solemnity.

In the imperial court, the hundred officials were dressed in court attire, arranged neatly.

Their expressions were serious, expectant, or nervous.

Emperor Hongwu was dressed in a magnificent dragon robe, his posture majestic as he sat on the dragon throne.

Crown Prince Zhu Biao was as usual, dressed in the crown prince's ceremonial robe, standing straight on the steps below the dragon throne, his gaze equally cold and stern as he looked down at the hundred officials.

"We, your subjects, pay respects to Your Majesty. May Your Majesty live ten thousand years, ten thousand years, ten thousand thousand years."

The civil and military officials of the entire court bowed and paid respects, shouting in unison.

The sound echoed within the hall, fully displaying the solemnity and majesty of imperial power.

"Rise." Emperor Hongwu raised a hand, his voice majestic and powerful.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

The civil and military officials said in unison, standing up one after another and straightening their court attire.

"If you have a memorial, present it; if not, the court is dismissed."

Yun Qi stepped forward and shouted loudly to the assembled officials.

"Reporting to Your Majesty."

Minister of Revenue Zhao Mian stepped out. His figure leaned forward slightly, holding his tablet with both hands as he reported loudly.

At this moment.

Zhao Mian's expression carried a hint of nervousness and anticipation; after months of allocation, today was the moment to hand in the results.

"Proceed." Emperor Hongwu's gaze fell on Zhao Mian, and he said in a calm tone.

"After months of planning and transportation."

"Today, the grain, fodder, and baggage required for the Northern Expedition against Northern Yuan have been transported in batches to Daning Prefecture and Beiping Prefecture."

"This batch of grain, fodder, and baggage is sufficient for the Northern Expedition army for half a year."

"In Beiping Prefecture and Daning Prefecture, there will be Prefects responsible for the allocation." Zhao Mian finished in one breath, his voice loud and clear.

Emperor Hongwu nodded with satisfaction and praised, "Well done. Grain, fodder, and baggage are the foundation of an army. The Ministry of Revenue must continue to pay attention to them. Once the army has a greater need for supplies, the Ministry of Revenue must allocate them in a timely manner."

Zhao Mian bowed immediately, his body leaning forward, and said respectfully, "This subject accepts the decree."

After speaking, he slowly stood up, his expression relaxing somewhat, and he respectfully retreated to the ranks.

"Reporting to Your Majesty."

Tang Duo stepped out, his voice deep and resonant: "The artillery shells, iron balls, arrows, weapons, and battle armor required by the Northern Expedition army."

"Have all been transported to Beiping Prefecture."

"If the conquest begins, this batch of artillery is sufficient for the army's needs for ten sieges."

"This time, the Ministry of War has allocated 10,000 firelocks, sufficient for the iron balls and gunpowder required by the army."

The Ministry of Revenue allocated the grain, fodder, and baggage, while the Ministry of War naturally allocated the army's weapons and battle armor.

"Not bad." Emperor Hongwu smiled with satisfaction, the wrinkles on his face smoothing out: "It was not in vain that I gave you all enough time to prepare. Today, you truly did not disappoint me."

Emperor Hongwu laughed loudly, the laughter echoing in the hall.

It also reduced the sense of awe and solemnity in the hall by quite a bit.

"In order for Great Ming to thoroughly end the disaster of Northern Yuan, this subject dared not delay."

Tang Duo said respectfully, bowing his head slightly, his eyes filled with awe.

"Minister Zhao, Minister Tang, you have both rendered great service."

"I am very happy. Once Northern Yuan is settled this time, I will surely reward you two ministers for your merits."

Emperor Hongwu said with a loud laugh, appearing very happy.

Troops and horses move, but grain and fodder go first; the two ministries of the court had fully achieved this, which could guarantee that the army on the battlefield would have no worries behind them.

"This subject thanks Your Majesty for your profound grace." Tang Duo and Zhao Mian thanked him immediately, bowing in unison, their movements synchronized.

"Alright. Continue." Emperor Hongwu smiled and waved his hand, signaling the assembled officials in the hall to continue.

"Reporting to Father Emperor." Zhu Biao bowed and reported, his voice steady: "Now that the military supplies and grain have been mobilized, the armies in Daning Prefecture and Liaodong Prefecture should also have received the decree and are entering Beiping Prefecture in an orderly manner."

"It is time to decide on the candidates for the generals."

Hearing this, the many generals standing in the military ranks all raised their heads, their eyes flashing with expectant light, their faces bearing nervousness and excitement.

Most of these generals in the court were naturally Huaixi generals.

This, perhaps, was also the reason why Emperor Hongwu wanted to focus on new, sharp generals.

After all, among the military generals in the entire court, almost all who could lead troops on an expedition were Huaixi generals, which was definitely not a good thing for an empire.

"Crown Prince, you have already drafted the candidates; just follow the candidates you have decided upon." Emperor Hongwu smiled, his eyes filled with trust in Zhu Biao.

"This son accepts the decree."

Zhu Biao bowed, stood straight, then turned around, his gaze like lightning as he looked at the many military generals in the court.

Facing Zhu Biao's gaze, the officials dared not look directly and lowered their heads slightly. But those who knew the inside story were already excited in their hearts, their chests heaving slightly.

"I have already discussed and decided with Father Emperor on the candidates for this expedition."

Zhu Biao announced loudly, his voice echoing in the hall: "For this expedition, Marquis Wu Ding Guo Ying will serve as the Grand General."

"Lan Yu will be the main general of the first route army, with Duke of E Chang Mao as deputy."

"Zhu Di will be the main general of the second route army, with Duke of Cao Li Jinglong as deputy."

Upon hearing this!

Guo Ying, Lan Yu, Chang Mao, and Li Jinglong stood out immediately.

Although Guo Ying was over fifty years old, he still exuded the killing aura of a soldier, his eyes firm.

Emperor Hongwu and his son choosing him was naturally an affirmation of his ability.

Lan Yu and Chang Mao knew the inside story and were not flustered at all.

But Li Jinglong, who had been named, was somewhat nervous, even a bit at a loss, as if he had not expected to be named.

But at this moment.

The list was set.

There was no way to change it.

The four of them bowed simultaneously and said loudly: "Thank you, Your Majesty, and Your Highness the Crown Prince, for your trust and grace."

"For this Northern Expedition, we will surely do our utmost to sweep away Northern Yuan."

The four said in unison.

"The army has been mobilized. You generals must not delay."

"After the court session is dismissed, depart immediately for Beiping Prefecture to take over the army."

"Someone, bestow the military tally and the general's seal." Zhu Biao glanced over and said loudly.

In response, three servants dressed in eunuch attire walked out slowly from the back hall, their expressions respectful, holding three boxes.

Under Zhu Biao's signal, the first one walked to Guo Ying, bowed slightly, and handed the box in his hands to Guo Ying with both hands.

Following closely, the other two servants also handed the boxes to Lan Yu and Li Jinglong respectively.

Clearly, the boxes contained the military tally and the general's seal. The Great Ming army recognizes the military tally and the general's seal, not the person.

Once the war is settled, these must be returned.

The three generals held the boxes solemnly with both hands, raised them high, and shouted loudly: "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your trust and grace! Thank you, Your Highness the Crown Prince, for your trust and grace! We swear to fight for Great Ming to the death."

"I hope you ministers will return triumphantly as soon as possible to resolve the Northern Yuan disaster for Great Ming."

"If this battle is successful, the merit will last for a thousand autumns, and your names will be recorded in history."

"I hope you will not disappoint me." Emperor Hongwu said slowly, his voice filled with expectation, his gaze sweeping over the several generals one by one.

Carrying a kind of imperial majesty.

Time flew by. At the border between Beiping Prefecture and Daning Prefecture, inside the Beiping army camp.

Tents stood in great numbers, and the flags of Great Ming fluttered in the breeze.

Zhang Yu walked hurriedly into the main camp tent.

The tent was simply furnished, with a wide marching table piled high with maps and military reports.

Zhang Yu walked to the main seat, bowed slightly, and reported respectfully to Zhu Di, who was in the main seat: "Your Highness, just received news that the Daning border army will arrive at the border of the two prefectures tomorrow."

"Besides that, the 50,000-strong army of the Huizhouwei will also arrive in three days."

"Daning border army, Zhu Ying."

Hearing this report, a look of anticipation appeared on Zhu Di's face: "This Prince has long yearned for this Zhu Ying, and now I will finally see him."

Zhu Di said with a smile, the smile on his face becoming more and more obvious.

"After Your Highness meets General Zhu, you should not be disappointed." Zhang Yu replied with a smile, his eyes also carrying a hint of anticipation.

"This time, the imperial court has issued a decree to make our Beiping border army, the Daning border army, and the Huizhouwei the second route army, under my command, to launch a Northern Expedition against Northern Yuan."

"The other route is led by Lan Yu, as the first route army! The Grand General is Guo Ying."

"Compared to the expedition to Liaodong, this battle has more troops and more capable generals."

"It's just that Father Emperor still doesn't trust my ability to command troops enough, and even sent me a deputy general. Although he is called a deputy general, the actual military command power lies with him."

Facing his trusted aide, Zhu Di did not hide anything, expressing his inner thoughts with some dissatisfaction. At this moment, Zhu Di frowned, a flash of unwillingness in his eyes.

"Your Highness, since the Emperor has designated Your Highness as the main general this time, it is clearly with the intention of tempering Your Highness."

"Your Highness's ability to command troops is known to all in our Beiping army."

"It's just that this is a corps-level war, so the Emperor naturally has to consider it more cautiously." Zhang Yu said respectfully, bowing his head slightly, his tone sincere, and could only offer comfort.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Di sighed helplessly and nodded: "That may be so, but this Prince is not reconciled. If these 150,000 troops were handed over to me to command, I would definitely be able to defeat the enemy and win."

"One day, the Emperor will know Your Highness's talent for commanding troops, and in the future, Your Highness will surely be able to expand the territory for Great Ming."

Zhang Yu said with deep conviction, his eyes filled with firmness and loyalty.

Just at this moment, a personal guard of the Prince's residence ran to the outside of the tent in a hurry, knelt on one knee, and reported loudly: "Report, informing Your Highness, outside the military camp, troops from Ying Tian have arrived, carrying the military tally."

"They are here." Zhu Di took a deep breath, calmed his mood, and the previous unwillingness dissipated completely.

Subsequently.

Zhu Di stood up, straightened his prince's robe, and said: "Let's go welcome them. After all, Li Jinglong is my cousin, and we were familiar with each other before."

Zhu Di smiled and walked quickly toward the outside of the tent.

Before long, inside the military camp, Li Jinglong, surrounded by a group of personal guards, came toward the main camp.

Li Jinglong was dressed in bright battle armor, with a precious sword at his waist, but his expression carried a hint of nervousness and awkwardness.

"Jiujiang, it's been many years."

Seeing Li Jinglong walking at the front, Zhu Di immediately shouted with a smile, his face overflowing with enthusiasm.

This general was none other than Duke of Cao Li Jinglong.

Seeing Zhu Di, Li Jinglong immediately went up to meet him, bowed slightly, and performed a salute: "This subordinate pays respects to Your Highness the Prince of Yan."

"Haha. Between uncle and nephew, there is no need to be so restrained."

Zhu Di laughed, walked up, reached out and directly took Li Jinglong's arm, and strode toward the main camp tent.

After entering the tent, Zhu Di then let go of Li Jinglong's arm.

"Jiujiang, since I went to my fief, except for the one time I entered the capital to pay respects in the 17th year of Hongwu and met you, I haven't seen you for several years."

Looking at Li Jinglong in front of him, Zhu Di said with some emotion, narrowing his eyes slightly, as if recalling the past.

"Yes! It has been a full five years."

"After the Prince of Yan went to his fief, it has been difficult to even meet once."

Li Jinglong also followed the conversation, a look of nostalgia appearing on his face.

"But that's fine. This time Father Emperor actually sent you to launch a Northern Expedition against Northern Yuan, and to be in the same army as me!"

"Back when we were in Ying Tian, everyone said you inherited your cousin's talent for commanding troops. In this battle, I must learn well." Zhu Di said with a loud laugh, his face carrying a hint of anticipation, and also a kind of probing of Li Jinglong.

"Your Highness, please don't say that."

"On the battlefield, things change in an instant."

"I am just talking on paper, and cannot compare to Your Highness who has guarded the northern frontier for many years and knows the tactics of Northern Yuan."

Li Jinglong waved his hands repeatedly, a look of humility appearing on his face.

After saying this.

Li Jinglong said with a bitter expression: "Your Highness, to tell you the truth, this time I did not ask to lead the expedition. When I was in the court, I didn't even know I was to lead the troops. The Emperor and His Highness the Crown Prince were completely forcing a duck onto the perch."

"How much ability do I have? How dare I command such a large-scale battle!"

Speaking of this, Li Jinglong frowned slightly, his face full of helplessness.

Zhu Di looked at Li Jinglong like this, and smiled faintly, without pointing anything out, because in Zhu Di's view, Li Jinglong was deliberately covering up his true self.

Li Jinglong's ability to command troops had long been rumored in Ying Tian.

In the past, Li Jinglong's father's ability to command troops had all been passed on to Li Jinglong, and he was also hailed as a general of the younger generation.

This statement was also agreed upon by many people.

Zhu Di naturally did not doubt anything.

After all, even his own Father Emperor had personally designated Li Jinglong to come, clearly trusting the latter as well.

However, if Zhu Ying were here, he would really have to complain.

Li Jinglong, what he said at this moment was the complete truth.

He was indeed talking on paper and was not good at commanding troops!

Even compared to Zhao Kuo, he was even worse. Historically, the Jianwen Emperor Zhu Yunwen was pitted miserably by Li Jinglong.

The Jingnan Campaign.

If it weren't for Li Jinglong's divine assist.

Zhu Di would probably have found it difficult to win so beautifully, usurping Zhu Yunwen's world in just a few years, and would not have become the first prince to successfully rebel as a prince.

"Jiujiang, don't be humble in front of me."

"This time Father Emperor has already issued a decree."

"This time our Beiping border army, Daning border army, and Huizhouwei are all under your command. Although I am the main general, I am actually under your control."

Zhu Di said with a laugh, and in his words, he did not show any dissatisfaction.

"Your Highness, please don't kill me with such words."

"This time I really have no bottom in my heart. If I really go to the battlefield, I am really a bit empty."

"At that time, Your Highness must give me some pointers." Li Jinglong said with a smile, his face carrying a hint of fawning, which really didn't look like he was pretending.

Seeing this, Zhu Di smiled without saying a word.

In his view, Li Jinglong was still being humble.

Just at this moment, another personal guard ran in in a hurry, knelt on one knee, and reported loudly: "Report! Informing Your Highness, the cavalry of the Daning border army's vanguard has arrived at the border of the prefecture."

"General Zhu Ying, the Daning Regional Military Commissioner, has led the troops here in person."

Upon hearing this.

Zhu Di and Li Jinglong looked at each other.

In both of their eyes, there was a kind of curiosity coincidentally.

"Earl of Champion, Zhu Ying."

"I have heard his great name many times in the court before, and everyone is saying that he is the top general of our Great Ming in the future. Now I finally have a chance to see him." Li Jinglong said with a smile, his gaze carrying anticipation.

"Don't talk about you."

"I have also yearned for Zhu Ying for a long time. He is so young, yet has such powerful ability to command troops, and is even more invincible on the battlefield."

"I have long wanted to see him." Zhu Di said with a smile, equally full of anticipation.

"By the way, Your Highness."

"I heard that this Zhu Ying was originally from Beiping Prefecture and should have been in the Beiping army. Why did he go to Daning?" Li Jinglong asked with great curiosity.

"Zhu Ying's information should have been sealed by the Ministry of War. How do you know?" Zhu Di smiled and asked.

"Heh."

Li Jinglong laughed: "I am serving in the Five Chief Military Commissions. These are not secrets."

"Forget it."

"As for the specific reason, you can ask Zhu Ying yourself later. I am going to welcome him personally." Zhu Di smiled and strode toward the outside of the tent.

Seeing this, Li Jinglong followed with big strides.

(End of chapter)