Chapter 139

"From the Regional Military Commissioner down to the ordinary soldiers, everyone participates in training."

These words reached Zhu Di's ears, and a look of surprise instantly flashed across his previously calm face.

Just one sentence, and waves were stirred in Zhu Di's heart, allowing him to keenly capture the effectiveness of this training method.

In the long-standing military tradition of the Great Ming, military officers are responsible for commanding troops, and while training soldiers is also within their scope of authority, officers mostly only need to sit in command and coordinate the overall situation.

Personally going down to the field and training by crawling and fighting together with the soldiers is a situation that is almost unheard of.

Even the Beiping Army, which Zhu Di personally supervised and was proud of, had always been committed to creating an atmosphere of harmony between generals and soldiers, and had a fine tradition of eating and living together, but the item of joint training had never been touched upon.

"Zhu Ying's troop training is indeed something." Zhu Di revealed an admiring smile, full of emotion.

"Hmm." Li Jinglong echoed from the side, nodding, also revealing his approval of Zhu Ying's troop training method.

"But this method is very difficult to implement."

"Many generals are used to being pampered; how would they go down to the camp to train together." Li Jinglong said in a deep voice.

Regarding this.

Zhu Di said nothing more.

Instead, he came back to his senses.

"Someone." Zhu Di ordered loudly toward the outside of the hall: "Pass my order."

"Pass the order to Daning Regional Military Commissioner Zhu Ying; after he finishes breakfast, come to my tent immediately."

"Subordinate obeys!"

The personal guard commander outside the hall, Zhu Neng, heard the order and replied loudly immediately.

On the Daning border troops' drill ground!

The five laps of running drill around the drill ground ended quickly, the soldiers stopped their steps one after another, and the neat ranks started to become somewhat loose.

At this time, soldiers from each military battalion went to the logistics army to get breakfast; for a time, the drill ground was bustling, filled with the smell of flour cakes.

In the past, the daily routine drill was a bitter chore for many Daning border troops, and they had much resistance in their hearts.

After all, day after day of high-intensity training inevitably made people feel tired and annoyed.

But as Zhu Ying led by example and participated in training with the soldiers every day without fail, the attitude of all the border soldiers changed quietly, from initial resistance to gradually becoming willing.

In their eyes, Zhu Ying, as the Regional Military Commissioner, was in a high position with great power, yet was willing to suffer and endure hardship with them every day; what reason did they have to shrink back?

"General."

Liu Lei, while gnawing on the flour cake in his hand, walked quickly to Zhu Ying's side, with an uncontrollable look of curiosity, and said respectfully: "Subordinate just patrolled outside and saw that there were still several places where camp sites were prepared."

"How many troops are being mobilized this time? So many camp sites were prepared."

As he spoke, Liu Lei raised his hand and pointed toward the several newly separated camp sites in the distance, carrying a bit of confusion.

The generals around, Chen Heng and Wei Quan, heard Liu Lei's words and also looked at Zhu Ying one after another.

"Thirty thousand troops." Zhu Ying said with a calm expression and a light tone: "Including the logistics army and other forces, a full forty-plus thousand main army."

"Such a huge force is almost double what it was when conquering Liaodong."

Wei Quan said with a serious expression in a deep voice: "It seems the imperial court is determined to completely crush Northern Yuan this time."

"Not to mention anything else." Chen Heng said with a firm face, the light of worship flashing in his eyes as he looked at Zhu Ying: "The General's divine might is invincible; this time following the General on the expedition, we will surely achieve new merits."

"I firmly believe that after the battle, the General will surely be able to go a step further and be promoted to Assistant Regional Military Commissioner."

The entire Daning border army knew the combat power and troop-commanding talent of their own general like the back of their hand.

On the Liaodong battlefield, Zhu Ying commanded with composure, was brave and good at fighting, and led by example; the results achieved were the best proof.

So this northern expedition, every Daning border soldier was in high spirits and full of fighting will, because they had absolute trust and confidence in their general.

In the prefecture guard battalion, Zhu Ying's official position had reached the highest position of Guard Battalion Regional Military Commissioner.

There was no promotion in the guard battalion.

But above the guard battalion, there was the Regional Command.

Assistant Regional Military Commissioner, Vice Regional Military Commissioner, Regional Military Commissioner; if one could be promoted to Regional Military Commissioner, that would be a true border-governing official, holding military power, worthy of being a Third Rank official.

Regarding the discussion of his subordinates, Zhu Ying's expression was calm, only revealing a faint smile, appearing very composed and calm, and did not participate in it.

Now the northern expedition battle was on the verge of breaking out, and everything discussed at this moment was still just a reflection in the mirror; only by fighting bloody battles on the battlefield and killing the enemy to achieve merit was it real.

How the future rewards would be, all depended on the fighting of the battle sabers in their hands.

"Where is General Zhu?"

Just then, a voice came clearly from outside the drill ground.

He saw the personal guard commander belonging to the Prince of Yan, Zhu Di, walking hurriedly toward this side.

This person had a tall posture, a vigorous gait, and wore a long saber at his waist.

And this personal guard commander, Zhu Ying happened to know.

In the past, Zhu Neng had gone to Daning City and even personally escorted the criminal official who had framed Zhu Ying to Daning; he was exactly the Prince of Yan's mansion guard Battalion Commander, Zhu Neng.

"Battalion Commander Zhu." Zhu Ying stood up, patted the dust off his body, hung a kind smile, and asked: "What is the matter?"

"General Zhu." Zhu Neng walked forward, bowed, and said respectfully: "By the Prince's order, I am specially here to invite General Zhu to enter the camp for a talk."

"Good." Zhu Ying nodded, his expression unchanged, and immediately responded: "I will go right now."

However, after getting up, Zhu Ying turned to look at Chen Heng and instructed with a serious expression: "The great battle has not yet arrived, the daily drill must be as usual, especially the formation I taught, it must be trained more intensively to ensure nothing goes wrong."

Clearly.

This formation was naturally the Long Menzhen.

"Subordinate obeys!"

Chen Heng responded loudly immediately.

Not long after.

Zhu Ying arrived outside Zhu Di's tent.

Today's Prince of Yan's guards were even more heavily guarded than yesterday.

Around the tent, there was a guard every three steps and a sentry every five steps; the soldiers all held long spears, their expressions cold and stern, their eyes scanning the surroundings vigilantly, the number of people was significantly more than yesterday, and the atmosphere appeared exceptionally tense and oppressive.

"Such heavy guard in the military camp, what is Zhu Di doing? Could it be he wants to ambush and kill me here?"

Seeing this scene, Zhu Ying could not help but secretly complain in his heart, but in an instant, he suppressed this doubt and did not think about it anymore.

After all, Zhu Di was still a prince of Great Ming, and he had no grievances with him in the past, so there was no need to take such a ruthless hand against himself.

Furthermore, if someone really dared to take action against him in the military camp, not to mention that he was not afraid at all, if this matter reached Zhu Yuanzhang's ears, it would inevitably set off a huge uproar.

Zhu Di did not have such guts.

"General Zhu, please enter."

Zhu Neng walked forward, extended both hands, carefully lifted the curtain, and said respectfully: "The Prince has instructed, when General Zhu arrives, enter directly."

"Hmm."

Zhu Ying nodded, said nothing more, and strode into the tent.

Zhu Di's invitation today indeed carried a bit of strangeness, but although Zhu Ying had doubts in his heart, he still decided to find out what was going on; he had to see what Zhu Di was doing.

After entering the tent, he saw Zhu Di sitting in the main seat, his expression calm, waiting very quietly.

But today, he was not the only one in the tent.

On one side of his main seat.

There was also a person dressed in a black monk's robe, holding a string of prayer beads in his hand, his head bald, clearly a monk.

It was exactly Yao Guangxiao.

At the moment of seeing Yao Guangxiao, Zhu Ying's heart jolted slightly, and the identity of this person instantly appeared in his mind.

"Black-clothed evil monk, Yao Guangxiao."

Zhu Ying thought secretly: "I thought he would only find Zhu Di after Zhu Biao died, I didn't expect him to appear so early."

"In history, he threatened to give Zhu Di a 'white hat'."

"Could it be that the current Zhu Di already has the ambition to covet the throne?"

"Zhu Yuanzhang is still alive, and Zhu Biao is also sitting firmly in the position of Crown Prince."

"His guts are really not small!"

"Sure enough, the temptation of the throne is enough to make people lose their minds."

"In the imperial family, there is really no family affection to speak of."

"No wonder Zhu Di could win in history; it was not only because Zhu Yunwen was too stupid, but also because Zhu Di started planning to rebel and seize the throne very early."

Just one look at Yao Guangxiao, and Zhu Ying's thoughts ran wild.

Combined with the historical records Zhu Ying knew, and his understanding of Zhu Di and Yao Guangxiao, Zhu Ying had already vaguely guessed Zhu Di's ambition.

At this moment, Zhu Ying also finally figured out one thing: why, when he was in Daning, Zhu Di, whom he had never met, would show favor to him, not only sending the criminal official who had framed Zhu Ying, but later when he got married and had children, Zhu Di also sent gifts.

This was not just appreciation for him as a military general; it was clearly an intentional attempt to win him over!

"Zhu Di."

Zhu Ying sighed secretly in his heart: "No wonder he would frequently show favor to me; it turns out it was this kind of calculation."

"If he really rebels in the future, and I am still guarding Daning Prefecture, then the first army ordered to suppress him will most likely be the Daning border troops."

"Now he shows favor, presumably hoping that I can show mercy on the battlefield in the future."

"Sure enough! There is no such thing as kindness without reason in this world!"

At this moment, Zhu Ying felt he had already seen through Zhu Di's thoughts.

As Zhu Ying walked into the tent, Yao Guangxiao's gaze immediately fell on Zhu Ying's face.

That gaze seemed to contain everything, carrying a bit of scrutiny and probing.

Yao Guangxiao narrowed his eyes slightly, carefully sizing Zhu Ying up from head to toe, carrying a meaning that was difficult for people to grasp, seemingly trying to dig out the secrets hidden deep in Zhu Ying's face.

"Subordinate, pays respects to Your Highness, the Prince of Yan."

Zhu Ying walked into the tent, cupped his hands, leaned his body forward slightly, and performed a salute.

"General Zhu, no need for formalities."

Zhu Di smiled slightly; that smile appeared gentle and intimate, but in reality, it made it difficult for people to peek at his inner truest thoughts; he raised his hand and made a gesture to exempt him from formalities.

"Thank you, Prince of Yan." Zhu Ying thanked him, then his expression was calm, and he asked directly: "I wonder why the Prince summoned me here?"

"I summoned General Zhu here today, not for military affairs."

"But because this master beside me is quite curious about General Zhu."

Zhu Di said with a smile, his gaze turning to Yao Guangxiao: "This master is a high monk of the Buddhist sect, proficient in Buddhist dharma, and especially skilled in the art of physiognomy."

"He has long heard of General Zhu's great name, and today he specially begged me to introduce him to meet the General."

Hearing this.

Zhu Ying cast his gaze toward Yao Guangxiao, his expression calm as water, but deep in his eyes, a bit of scrutiny surged.

Zhu Ying's gaze stared at Yao Guangxiao, carrying probing.

Yao Guangxiao slowly stood up, his movements unhurried, appearing steady and composed; he smiled slightly, his smile carrying a bit of mysterious unpredictability.

When he walked in front of Zhu Ying, Yao Guangxiao put his hands together and chanted: "Amitabha!"

"I am Daoyan, I have met General Zhu."

Seeing this, Zhu Ying also responded with cupped hands: "I have met Master Daoyan."

"I have long heard of General Zhu's great name, and I have long admired you in my heart; to see you today is truly my honor."

Yao Guangxiao's face hung with a faint smile, and he said: "I observe General Zhu's physiognomy, and the appearance of wealth and honor is fully displayed; it is noble beyond words."

"But just by physiognomy, it is still difficult to understand the full picture; I wonder if General Zhu can tell me your birth date and time, I am willing to calculate it carefully for the General."

Hearing this!

Zhu Ying thought slightly.

"I have never believed in the study of fate; however, since it is the Prince of Yan's invitation today, and I am honored by the Master's high regard, I will naturally comply."

Zhu Ying smiled faintly, his smile carrying a bit of detachment, and immediately reported his birth date: "I was born in the eighth year of Hongwu, in the twelfth month; I am seventeen years old this year."

Hearing this birth date, Yao Guangxiao put his hands together, slowly closed his eyes, his expression became extremely focused, his brows frowned slightly, his lips moved slightly, seemingly silently calculating something in his heart.

"Black-clothed evil monk Yao Guangxiao."

"Although I don't believe at all that you have that so-called witchcraft, but meeting for the first time, I won't be so honest."

"You and Zhu Di, both of you are deep in thought and have eight hundred heart-eyes; I won't believe you."

Zhu Ying was amiable on the surface, and even had a polite smile on his face, but he had already secretly complained in his heart.

Of course, the birth date and time he just reported were fake; Zhu Ying deliberately reported his age one year older; his true birth date was the seventh year of Hongwu.

One must be on guard against others; Zhu Ying was as clear as a mirror in his heart, and his alertness was extremely high.

And after Zhu Ying reported his birth date and time, Zhu Di secretly breathed a sigh of relief in his heart, and his previously slightly tense expression also eased a little.

His gaze stayed on Zhu Ying for a moment, then moved away without a trace; clearly, he was also on guard in his heart.

He remembered his own nephew's birth date clearly; the age Zhu Ying reported did not match, so naturally, he could not be the person he was worried about in his heart.

Moreover, with Yao Guangxiao's divination, he could presumably confirm it further.

After a while, Yao Guangxiao slowly opened his eyes, a complex look of doubt and emotion flashing in his eyes.

"General Zhu's fate should have been in business, not in the military."

Yao Guangxiao shook his head slightly, his tone carrying a bit of certainty: "Fate is determined, and destiny has its own trajectory."

"However!"

"It is precisely because General Zhu resolutely threw himself into the military that he broke the original destined trajectory and achieved today's success."

"As long as General Zhu continues to uphold this ambition, he will surely become a great general of Great Ming in the future."

"Haha." Zhu Ying responded with a smile, his laughter hearty: "Then I will borrow the Master's auspicious words."

Hearing this, Zhu Di completely set his heart at ease and thought secretly: "It seems I overthought it, actually mistaking Zhu Ying for Xiongying."

"The deceased are gone, why be so persistent? It's me who was too obsessed."

"Perhaps, it's also because I was too worried."

Coming back to his senses, Zhu Di immediately said: "You monk, you really calculated it accurately."

"General Zhu was previously wandering on the business road and even opened a winery; the fine wine he brewed was a unique wonder in Beiping Prefecture."

"If it weren't for being framed by the Shen family, he wouldn't have abandoned business for the military, and even less would he have come to Daning Prefecture."

"Indeed so." Yao Guangxiao nodded, his expression solemn, and said seriously: "General Zhu's birth date and fate originally belonged to the merchant's path, but due to external force interference, he broke the destined fate and was able to change his life's trajectory. From his fate, after joining the army, there were dangers everywhere; this path can be called an act of defying heaven and changing fate."

Listening to their conversation, Zhu Ying nodded in agreement on the surface, and his face even appropriately revealed a look of surprise and admiration, looking like he believed Yao Guangxiao's calculation deeply.

"This monk, does he really have ability, or is he just bluffing and talking nonsense here?"

"Could it be that this birth date and time I made up casually can really match this fate?"

"This so-called black-clothed evil monk is nothing more than this."

"In history, he was passed down as being god-like; it seems it was exaggerated."

Zhu Ying secretly laughed in his heart; if it weren't for the current occasion, he would really want to laugh out loud.

In his view, Yao Guangxiao's statement was really a bit far-fetched.

"General Zhu."

Zhu Di changed the subject, his gaze revealing a bit of eagerness: "I heard that you opened quite a few restaurants in Daning; why not consider developing in Beiping Prefecture?"

"Now it is difficult to find the fine wine your winery used to brew in Beiping Prefecture; I can only send people to Daning to purchase it."

Hearing this.

Zhu Ying smiled bitterly helplessly, revealing a look of difficulty, and said: "Your Highness! Although the Great Ming laws are strict, there is local protection in various places to some extent."

"In Daning Prefecture, by virtue of my official position, I can still protect the restaurant business."

"But in Beiping Prefecture, the Shen family's influence is huge; I really don't dare to get involved rashly!"

Although he said this, Zhu Ying had other meanings in his heart; when saying this, Zhu Ying's gaze flickered slightly, intentionally or unintentionally observing Zhu Di's reaction.

Zhu Di heard this, his eyes rolled, seemingly having thoughts, and immediately said: "Beiping Prefecture is my fief; a small merchant cannot stir up any waves!"

"The fine wine your winery brews has a mellow taste and superior quality; it is a unique wonder in the world, and compared to the imperial wine, it is even better."

"General Zhu, are you willing to partner with me to open a restaurant in Beiping Prefecture?"

"With the fine wine from your winery, plus my protection, we will surely be able to achieve great success in Beiping Prefecture and make a fortune."

"Compared to Daning, Beiping Prefecture has a large population, a broad market, and even more abundant profits."

As Zhu Di spoke, his eagerness became more and more obvious.

Perhaps.

This was exactly the second purpose of Zhu Di calling Zhu Ying here.

Alcohol, the profit is too big.

"Your Highness." Zhu Ying revealed a look of worry, frowned slightly, hesitated, and said: "Partnering with the imperial family to do business, I am really worried that Yingtian will blame me."

In reality, with Zhu Ying's own strength, he was not afraid of the so-called imperial decree, and even not afraid of the crime of exterminating the clan.

With his ability, he could completely take his family and go far away, and it would not be impossible to make a comeback in the future.

But for now, Zhu Ying still wanted to use Great Ming as a big tree to develop his own forces; Great Ming still had utilization value for him.

Partnering with Zhu Di to open a restaurant, once impeached, it would be very likely to be seen as forming a clique for private interests; after all, Zhu Di's status was special, and a tall tree catches the wind.

Of course.

Although it was a partnership, Zhu Di would not be so stupid as to expose himself.

But Zhu Ying did not want to have any handle on him in Zhu Di's hands, so he absolutely could not partner directly to open a restaurant.

This was a stupid move.

However.

Beiping Prefecture had a large population, and under Zhu Di's management, it was even more commercially prosperous; it was undoubtedly an excellent place to make money, and at the same time, an ideal place to cultivate the Black Guard.

To give it up like this was really too much of a pity.

After thinking for a moment, Zhu Ying said again: "However, I do have a way to kill two birds with one stone."

"Your Highness can open a restaurant yourself, and my winery is willing to supply fine wine at cost price."

"In addition, I can also open another restaurant in Beiping Prefecture, benign competition; what does Your Highness think of this plan?"

As Zhu Ying spoke, his gaze stared tightly at Zhu Di, his eyes carrying a bit of probing.

Hearing this, the previously slightly disappointed Zhu Di's eyes lit up, and a smile instantly appeared on his face.

Subsequently.

Zhu Di immediately slapped the table and made the decision directly: "This plan is excellent! Just take this opportunity, I will send the Prince of Yan's mansion steward to Daning to discuss this matter in detail with your steward; what do you think?"

Having said that!

Zhu Di's gaze stared tightly at Zhu Ying, carrying anticipation and eagerness.

Zhu Di had tasted the fine wine from Zhu Ying's winery and knew its value!

In the north.

You might be able to do without women, but you really can't do without wine, especially in winter.

So as long as you got the wine from Zhu Ying's winery, you wouldn't have to worry about sales.

It was absolutely a real windfall!

"Your Highness's proposal is naturally acceptable."

"As long as I write a letter to the steward, the steward will naturally handle all matters properly."

Zhu Ying said with a smile, appearing very composed.

Subsequently.

Thinking of something else, he added: "As long as it is agreed, even if the war breaks out immediately, it will absolutely not affect the progress of opening the restaurant."

"The steward in my mansion is an elder of mine and can decide all the rules."

In reality.

Regarding Zhu Di being able to agree to this matter, Zhu Ying had expected it early on and did not feel the slightest bit strange.

After all, Zhu Di already had the heart to rebel and must be accumulating strength and developing himself!

The source of money, this was the problem!

Of course.

Regarding Zhu Di's proposal to partner to open a restaurant, Zhu Di naturally had his own considerations; this was absolutely not okay.

After all, those restaurants were in Zhu Ying's layout; besides selling wine, they were also the public stationing points for the Black Guard, and their importance was self-evident, so naturally they could not have too much involvement with outsiders.

"Good!" Zhu Di nodded forcefully, his smile becoming richer: "I appreciate General Zhu's crisp, neat, and thoughtful style of handling things."

Now that the partnership was about to be reached, Zhu Di also praised Zhu Ying.

"However..." Zhu Ying frowned slightly, revealing a look of worry, carrying a bit of concern, took a small step forward, approached Zhu Di, and reminded softly: "When Your Highness opens a restaurant, you still need to be more careful in your actions, and try to be as secret as possible."

As he spoke, Zhu Ying revealed a bit of caution, his gaze subconsciously scanning the surroundings of the tent, as if afraid that walls have ears.

Thinking of the many personal guards guarding it before.

Perhaps that was one of the reasons for Zhu Di's caution.

"Haha!" Zhu Di laughed, waved his hand, and said with a confident face: "That goes without saying!"

"My father has explicitly forbidden the imperial family from doing business; how could I not know the pros and cons?"

"This time opening a restaurant, externally it will naturally be in the name of the private merchants under my command, and it will absolutely not leave any handle."

Having said that, Zhu Di smiled confidently, very satisfied with his planning.

Hearing this, Zhu Ying secretly breathed a sigh of relief in his heart, and his face also revealed a look of reassurance, nodding lightly, and said: "That's good."

His reminder just now was also intentional; after all, Zhu Ying knew in his heart that with Zhu Di's shrewdness and caution, he would definitely not commit a taboo in such matters.

However, Zhu Di was deep in thought, and Zhu Ying also understood that in future dealings, the less involvement he had with him on the surface, the better.

After all, no one could say how the future situation would develop; if it really reached the step of Jingnan, he would have to leave a retreat for himself, and then he could judge the situation and wait for a price to sell.

Of course!

If he really waited until Jingnan, how strong would Zhu Ying have become? Truly transcending the mundane?

What level had his subordinate forces reached?

All this was hard to measure!

(End of chapter)